1
|
Radaelli E, Palladino G, Nanetti E, Scicchitano D, Rampelli S, Airoldi S, Candela M, Marangi M. Meta-analysis of the Cetacea gut microbiome: Diversity, co-evolution, and interaction with the anthropogenic pathobiome. Sci Total Environ 2024; 932:172943. [PMID: 38714258 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172943] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024]
Abstract
Despite their critical roles in marine ecosystems, only few studies have addressed the gut microbiome (GM) of cetaceans in a comprehensive way. Being long-living apex predators with a carnivorous diet but evolved from herbivorous ancestors, cetaceans are an ideal model for studying GM-host evolutionary drivers of symbiosis and represent a valuable proxy of overall marine ecosystem health. Here, we investigated the GM of eight different cetacean species, including both Odontocetes (toothed whales) and Mysticetes (baleen whales), by means of 16S rRNA-targeted amplicon sequencing. We collected faecal samples from free-ranging cetaceans circulating within the Pelagos Sanctuary (North-western Mediterranean Sea) and we also included publicly available cetacean gut microbiome sequences. Overall, we show a clear GM trajectory related to host phylogeny and taxonomy (i.e., phylosymbiosis), with remarkable GM variations which may reflect adaptations to different diets between baleen and toothed whales. While most samples were found to be infected by protozoan parasites of potential anthropic origin, we report that this phenomenon did not lead to severe GM dysbiosis. This study underlines the importance of both host phylogeny and diet in shaping the GM of cetaceans, highlighting the role of neutral processes as well as environmental factors in the establishment of this GM-host symbiosis. Furthermore, the presence of potentially human-derived protozoan parasites in faeces of free-ranging cetaceans emphasizes the importance of these animals as bioindicators of anthropic impact on marine ecosystems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elena Radaelli
- Unit of Microbiome Science and Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBiT), Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy; Fano Marine Center, The Inter-Institute Center for Research on Marine Biodiversity, Resources and Biotechnologies, Viale Adriatico 1, 61032, Fano, Italy
| | - Giorgia Palladino
- Unit of Microbiome Science and Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBiT), Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy; Fano Marine Center, The Inter-Institute Center for Research on Marine Biodiversity, Resources and Biotechnologies, Viale Adriatico 1, 61032, Fano, Italy
| | - Enrico Nanetti
- Unit of Microbiome Science and Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBiT), Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Daniel Scicchitano
- Unit of Microbiome Science and Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBiT), Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy; Fano Marine Center, The Inter-Institute Center for Research on Marine Biodiversity, Resources and Biotechnologies, Viale Adriatico 1, 61032, Fano, Italy
| | - Simone Rampelli
- Unit of Microbiome Science and Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBiT), Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy; Fano Marine Center, The Inter-Institute Center for Research on Marine Biodiversity, Resources and Biotechnologies, Viale Adriatico 1, 61032, Fano, Italy
| | - Sabina Airoldi
- Tethys Research Institute, Viale G.B. Gadio 2, 20121 Milano, Italy
| | - Marco Candela
- Unit of Microbiome Science and Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology (FaBiT), Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126 Bologna, Italy; Fano Marine Center, The Inter-Institute Center for Research on Marine Biodiversity, Resources and Biotechnologies, Viale Adriatico 1, 61032, Fano, Italy.
| | - Marianna Marangi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Viale Luigi Pinto, 71122 Foggia, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Oduro D, Baafi E, Opoku-Agyeman P, Adams T, Okai AA, Bruku S, Kyei S, Banahene P, Danso-Coffie C, Boafo E, Yeboah R, Futagbi G, Duah-Quashie NO. Enteric parasites Cyclospora cayetanensis and Cryptosporidium hominis in domestic and wildlife animals in Ghana. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:199. [PMID: 38698452 PMCID: PMC11064306 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06225-5] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Enteric parasitic infections remain a major public health problem globally. Cryptosporidium spp., Cyclospora spp. and Giardia spp. are parasites that cause diarrhea in the general populations of both developed and developing countries. Information from molecular genetic studies on the speciation of these parasites and on the role of animals as vectors in disease transmission is lacking in Ghana. This study therefore investigated these diarrhea-causing parasites in humans, domestic rats and wildlife animals in Ghana using molecular tools. METHODS Fecal samples were collected from asymptomatic school children aged 9-12 years living around the Shai Hills Resource Reserve (tourist site), from wildlife (zebras, kobs, baboons, ostriches, bush rats and bush bucks) at the same site, from warthogs at the Mole National Park (tourist site) and from rats at the Madina Market (a popular vegetable market in Accra, Ghana. The 18S rRNA gene (18S rRNA) and 60-kDa glycoprotein gene (gp60) for Cryptosporidium spp., the glutamate dehydrogenase gene (gdh) for Giardia spp. and the 18S rDNA for Cyclospora spp. were analyzed in all samples by PCR and Sanger sequencing as markers of speciation and genetic diversity. RESULTS The parasite species identified in the fecal samples collected from humans and animals included the Cryptosporidium species C. hominis, C. muris, C. parvum, C. tyzzeri, C. meleagridis and C. andersoni; the Cyclopora species C. cayetanensis; and the Gardia species, G. lamblia and G. muris. For Cryptosporidium, the presence of the gp60 gene confirmed the finding of C. parvum (41%, 35/85 samples) and C. hominis (29%, 27/85 samples) in animal samples. Cyclospora cayetanensis was found in animal samples for the first time in Ghana. Only one human sample (5%, 1/20) but the majority of animal samples (58%, 51/88) had all three parasite species in the samples tested. CONCLUSIONS Based on these results of fecal sample testing for parasites, we conclude that animals and human share species of the three genera (Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora, Giardia), with the parasitic species mostly found in animals also found in human samples, and vice-versa. The presence of enteric parasites as mixed infections in asymptomatic humans and animal species indicates that they are reservoirs of infections. This is the first study to report the presence of C. cayetanensis and C. hominis in animals from Ghana. Our findings highlight the need for a detailed description of these parasites using high-throughput genetic tools to further understand these parasites and the neglected tropical diseases they cause in Ghana where such information is scanty.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Oduro
- Department of Animal Biology and Conservation Science, School of Biological Sciences, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Esther Baafi
- Department of Animal Biology and Conservation Science, School of Biological Sciences, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Philip Opoku-Agyeman
- Department of Epidemiology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Tryphena Adams
- Department of Epidemiology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Akweley Abena Okai
- Department of Epidemiology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Selassie Bruku
- Department of Epidemiology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Sandra Kyei
- Department of Animal Biology and Conservation Science, School of Biological Sciences, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Phillip Banahene
- Department of Animal Biology and Conservation Science, School of Biological Sciences, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Caleb Danso-Coffie
- Department of Animal Biology and Conservation Science, School of Biological Sciences, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Emmanuel Boafo
- Department of Animal Biology and Conservation Science, School of Biological Sciences, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Rhoda Yeboah
- Department of Animal Biology and Conservation Science, School of Biological Sciences, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Godfred Futagbi
- Department of Animal Biology and Conservation Science, School of Biological Sciences, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Nancy Odurowah Duah-Quashie
- Department of Epidemiology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Abdoli A, Olfatifar M, Eslahi AV, Moghadamizad Z, Samimi R, Habibi MA, Kianimoghadam AS, Badri M, Karanis P. A systematic review and meta-analysis of protozoan parasite infections among patients with mental health disorders: an overlooked phenomenon. Gut Pathog 2024; 16:7. [PMID: 38282036 PMCID: PMC10822187 DOI: 10.1186/s13099-024-00602-2] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with mental disorders have a high risk of intestinal parasitic infection due to poor hygiene practices. Hence, to better clarify this overlooked phenomenon, the current study is conducted to determine the global prevalence of protozoan parasite infections in patients with mental disorders and investigate the associated risk factors. METHODS Several databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ProQuest, and Google Scholar) were searched for papers published until December 2022. The fixed effect meta-analysis was used to estimate the overall odds ratio (OR) and pooled prevalence was estimated using a random-effects model with a 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS Totally, 131 articles (91 case-control and 40 cross-sectional studies) met the eligibility criteria. Patients with mental disorders were significantly at higher risk for protozoan parasites than healthy controls (OR: 2.059, 1.830-2.317). The highest pooled OR (2.485, 1.413-4.368) was related to patients with neurodevelopmental disorders, and the highest pooled prevalence was detected in patients with neurodevelopmental disorders (0.341, 0.244-0.446), followed by bipolar and related disorders (0.321, 0.000-0.995). Toxoplasma gondii was the most prevalent protozoan parasite (0.343, 0.228-0.467) in cross-sectional studies and the highest pooled OR was related to Cyclospora cayetanensis (4.719, 1.352-16.474) followed by Cryptosporidium parvum (4.618, 2.877-7.412). CONCLUSION Our findings demonstrated that individuals afflicted with mental disorders are significantly more susceptible to acquiring protozoan parasites in comparison to healthy individuals. Preventive interventions, regular screening, and treatment approaches for parasitic diseases should be considered for patients with mental disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amir Abdoli
- Zoonoses Research Center, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Meysam Olfatifar
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Diseases Research Center, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
| | - Aida Vafae Eslahi
- Medical Microbiology Research Center, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Zeinab Moghadamizad
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Rasoul Samimi
- Medical Microbiology Research Center, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Mohammad Amin Habibi
- Skull Base Research Center, Loghman Hakim Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Clinical Research Development Center, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
| | - Amir Sam Kianimoghadam
- Department of Clinical Psychology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Milad Badri
- Medical Microbiology Research Center, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran.
| | - Panagiotis Karanis
- University of Cologne, Medical Faculty and University Hospital, Cologne, Germany.
- Medical School, Department of Basic and Clinical Sciences, Anatomy Centre, University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Marangi M, Lago N, Mancinelli G, Lillo Antonio O, Scirocco T, Sinigaglia M, Specchiulli A, Cilenti L. Occurrence of the protozoan parasites Toxoplasma gondii and Cyclospora cayetanensis in the invasive Atlantic blue crab Callinectes sapidus from the Lesina Lagoon (SE Italy). Mar Pollut Bull 2022; 176:113428. [PMID: 35150989 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The occurrence of the protozoan parasites Toxoplasma gondii and Cyclospora cayetanensis was molecularly investigated in the hemolymph, gills, stomach, hepatopancreas and gonads of the eleven invasive Atlantic blue crab Callinectes sapidus from the Lesina Lagoon (Mediterranean Sea). Out of 11 blue crabs, 6 (54.5%) and 4 (36.4%) were found positive to T. gondii and C. cayetanenis, respectively; parasites were found only in the six females analysed, while the remaining five males resulted negative. Moreover, out of 55 tissues samples, 7 (12.7%) and 8 (14.5%) were positive to T. gondii and C. cayetanensis, respectively with hemolymph and gills being the most infected tissues. This is the first report of the presence of protozoan pathogens in wild crab species collected from a Mediterranean lagoon. The present results may provide a baseline reference on microbial infection in the species for invaded Mediterranean waters, and on the potential health risks related with its consumption if eaten raw.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Marangi
- Department of Science of Agriculture, Food, Natural Resources and Engineering (DAFNE), University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy.
| | - Nicola Lago
- CNR-IRBIM, National Research Council - Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Biotechnologies, 71010 Lesina, Foggia, Italy
| | - Giorgio Mancinelli
- CNR-IRBIM, National Research Council - Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Biotechnologies, 71010 Lesina, Foggia, Italy; Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies (DiSTeBA), University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy; CoNISMa, Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Scienze del Mare, 00196 Roma, Italy
| | - Oscar Lillo Antonio
- CNR-IRBIM, National Research Council - Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Biotechnologies, 71010 Lesina, Foggia, Italy
| | - Tommaso Scirocco
- CNR-IRBIM, National Research Council - Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Biotechnologies, 71010 Lesina, Foggia, Italy
| | - Milena Sinigaglia
- Department of Science of Agriculture, Food, Natural Resources and Engineering (DAFNE), University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Antonietta Specchiulli
- CNR-IRBIM, National Research Council - Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Biotechnologies, 71010 Lesina, Foggia, Italy
| | - Lucrezia Cilenti
- CNR-IRBIM, National Research Council - Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Biotechnologies, 71010 Lesina, Foggia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ma JY, Li MY, Qi ZZ, Fu M, Sun TF, Elsheikha HM, Cong W. Waterborne protozoan outbreaks: An update on the global, regional, and national prevalence from 2017 to 2020 and sources of contamination. Sci Total Environ 2022; 806:150562. [PMID: 34852432 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this review is to identify the worldwide trend of waterborne protozoan outbreaks and how it varies between geographic regions during the period from 2017 to 2020. Data about waterborne protozoan outbreaks were gathered and stratified by continent, country, water source, and protozoan species associated with the outbreak. The highest prevalence of waterborne protozoan outbreaks was reported in developed countries. Out of 251 outbreaks reported worldwide during the studied period, 141, 51 and 24 outbreaks were recorded in the USA, UK, and New Zealand, respectively. These outbreaks were mainly associated with Cryptosporidium (192 outbreaks) and Giardia (48 outbreaks). Cyclospora cayetanensis, Dientamoebafragilis and Toxoplasma gondii were associated with 7 outbreaks. One outbreak was associated with each of Blastocystis hominis, Entamoeba histolytica, Microsporidia or Naegleria fowleri. This data suggests large discrepancies in the number of outbreaks reported between geographic regions, with most outbreaks recorded in developed countries. Differences in the prevalence of outbreaks between countries are likely attributed to the availability of diagnostic capabilities and surveillance programs to monitor water contamination with pathogenic protozoa. More attention and concerted efforts are required to improve water safety and to alleviate the impact of waterborne protozoan infections. Appropriate surveillance of water contamination with protozoa can enable public health officials to identify source of contamination and implement the necessary measures to limit transmission and prevent outbreaks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Yang Ma
- Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai, Shandong 264209, PR China
| | - Man-Yao Li
- Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai, Shandong 264209, PR China
| | - Ze-Zheng Qi
- Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai, Shandong 264209, PR China
| | - Ming Fu
- Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai, Shandong 264209, PR China
| | - Tian-Feng Sun
- School of Translation Studies, Shandong University, Weihai, Shandong 264209, PR China
| | - Hany M Elsheikha
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, United Kingdom.
| | - Wei Cong
- Marine College, Shandong University, Weihai, Shandong 264209, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Rosa-Teijeiro C, Wagner V, Corbeil A, d'Annessa I, Leprohon P, do Monte-Neto RL, Fernandez-Prada C. Three different mutations in the DNA topoisomerase 1B in Leishmania infantum contribute to resistance to antitumor drug topotecan. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:438. [PMID: 34454601 PMCID: PMC8399852 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04947-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The evolution of drug resistance is one of the biggest challenges in leishmaniasis and has prompted the need for new antileishmanial drugs. Repurposing of approved drugs is a faster and very attractive strategy that is gaining supporters worldwide. Different anticancer topoisomerase 1B (TOP1B) inhibitors have shown strong antileishmanial activity and promising selective indices, supporting the potential repurposing of these drugs. However, cancer cells and Leishmania share the ability to become rapidly resistant. The aim of this study was to complete a whole-genome exploration of the effects caused by exposure to topotecan in order to highlight the potential mechanisms deployed by Leishmania to favor its survival in the presence of a TOP1B inhibitor. Methods We used a combination of stepwise drug resistance selection, whole-genome sequencing, functional validation, and theoretical approaches to explore the propensity of and potential mechanisms deployed by three independent clones of L. infantum to resist the action of TOP1B inhibitor topotecan. Results We demonstrated that L. infantum is capable of becoming resistant to high concentrations of topotecan without impaired growth ability. No gene deletions or amplifications were identified from the next-generation sequencing data in any of the three resistant lines, ruling out the overexpression of efflux pumps as the preferred mechanism of topotecan resistance. We identified three different mutations in the large subunit of the leishmanial TOP1B (Top1BF187Y, Top1BG191A, and Top1BW232R). Overexpression of these mutated alleles in the wild-type background led to high levels of resistance to topotecan. Computational molecular dynamics simulations, in both covalent and non-covalent complexes, showed that these mutations have an effect on the arrangement of the catalytic pentad and on the interaction of these residues with surrounding amino acids and DNA. This altered architecture of the binding pocket results in decreased persistence of topotecan in the ternary complex. Conclusions This work helps elucidate the previously unclear potential mechanisms of topotecan resistance in Leishmania by mutations in the large subunit of TOP1B and provides a valuable clue for the design of improved inhibitors to combat resistance in both leishmaniasis and cancer. Our data highlights the importance of including drug resistance evaluation in drug discovery cascades. Graphical abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-021-04947-4.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chloé Rosa-Teijeiro
- Département de Pathologie et Microbiologie, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada.,The Research Group on Infectious Diseases in Production Animals (GREMIP), Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada
| | - Victoria Wagner
- Département de Pathologie et Microbiologie, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada.,The Research Group on Infectious Diseases in Production Animals (GREMIP), Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada
| | - Audrey Corbeil
- Département de Pathologie et Microbiologie, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada.,The Research Group on Infectious Diseases in Production Animals (GREMIP), Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada
| | - Ilda d'Annessa
- Medtronic EMEA, Study and Scientific Solutions, Milan, Italy
| | - Philippe Leprohon
- Centre de Recherche en Infectiologie du Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, Université Laval, Quebec City, Canada
| | | | - Christopher Fernandez-Prada
- Département de Pathologie et Microbiologie, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada. .,The Research Group on Infectious Diseases in Production Animals (GREMIP), Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada. .,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Abstract
Due to highly repetitive genome sequences, short-read-based Trypanosoma cruzi genomes are extremely fragmented. Contiguous trypanosomatid genomes assemblies have resulted in the advent of third-generation sequencing technologies. Long reads span several to hundreds of kbps allowing to correct assemblies of repeated and low complexity DNA regions. However, these techniques present higher error rates. Hybrid assembly strategies that combine error-prone long reads with much more accurate Illumina short reads represent a very convenient approach for enhancing genome completeness. Here, we describe how to perform a hybrid assembly for genomic analysis of protozoan pathogens using Illumina and Oxford Nanopore sequencing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Florencia Díaz-Viraqué
- Laboratorio de Interacciones Hospedero-Patógeno-UBM, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Gonzalo Greif
- Laboratorio de Interacciones Hospedero-Patógeno-UBM, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Luisa Berná
- Laboratorio de Interacciones Hospedero-Patógeno-UBM, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay
- Sección Biomatemática-Unidad de Genómica Evolutiva, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Carlos Robello
- Laboratorio de Interacciones Hospedero-Patógeno-UBM, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay.
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Cruz G, De León L, Bethancourt A, Ríos N, Krause R, Sandoval N. Antagonistic effects of native strains of the soil fungus Paecilomyces against gastrointestinal nematode and protozoan parasites of pigs in Panama. J Parasit Dis 2021; 45:204-210. [PMID: 33746405 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-020-01297-3] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
A variety of gastrointestinal parasites naturally infect domestic pigs in Panama which may also occur as zoonotic infections in humans. Anthelmintic drug treatment, including mass drug administration, can lead to drug resistance, reflecting a need for alternatives. The objectives of this exploratory and observational study were: (1) to isolate and cultivate natives species of Paecilomyces from natural soils in Panama, and (2) to evaluate isolated strains for their capacity to parasitize endemic gastrointestinal nematode and protozoan parasites recovered from naturally infected domestic pigs by observing cultures for spore adhesion and hyphae penetration phases. Using microcultivation and inoculation techniques, four strains of Paecilomyces were isolated from three locations in Panama, out of which three successfully adhered to and penetrated free-living stages (eggs, cysts and oocysts) of Balantidium suis, coccidia, Trichuris suis and hookworm. To our knowledge, this is the first published report of a nematophagous fungus such as Paecilomyces successfully infecting this range of gastrointestinal parasites, particularly protozoan parasites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Génesis Cruz
- Laboratorio de Investigaciones en Parasitología Ambiental (LIPAAM), University of Panama, Panama City, Republic of Panama
| | - Lenin De León
- Laboratorio de Investigaciones en Parasitología Ambiental (LIPAAM), University of Panama, Panama City, Republic of Panama
| | - Ariadna Bethancourt
- Laboratorio de Investigaciones en Parasitología Ambiental (LIPAAM), University of Panama, Panama City, Republic of Panama
| | - Nivia Ríos
- Laboratorio de Investigaciones en Parasitología Ambiental (LIPAAM), University of Panama, Panama City, Republic of Panama
| | | | - Nidia Sandoval
- Laboratorio de Investigaciones en Parasitología Ambiental (LIPAAM), University of Panama, Panama City, Republic of Panama
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Kirti A, Sharma M, Rani K, Bansal A. CRISPRing protozoan parasites to better understand the biology of diseases. Prog Mol Biol Transl Sci 2021; 180:21-68. [PMID: 33934837 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2021.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Precise gene editing techniques are paramount to gain deeper insights into the biological processes such as host-parasite interactions, drug resistance mechanisms, and gene-function relationships. Discovery of CRISPR-Cas9 system has spearheaded mechanistic understanding of protozoan parasite biology as evident from the number of reports in the last decade. Here, we have described the use of CRISPR-Cas9 in understanding the biology of medically important protozoan parasites such as Plasmodium, Leishmania, Trypanosoma, Babesia and Trichomonas. In spite of intrinsic difficulties in genome editing in these protozoan parasites, CRISPR-Cas9 has acted as a catalyst for faster generation of desired transgenic parasites. Modifications in the CRISPR-Cas9 system for improving the efficiency have been useful in better understanding the molecular mechanisms associated with repair of double strand breaks in the parasites. Moreover, improvement in reagents used for CRISPR mediated gene editing have been instrumental in addressing the issue of non-specificity and toxicity for therapeutic use. These application-based modifications may help in further increasing the efficiency of gene editing in protozoan parasites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Apurva Kirti
- School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Manish Sharma
- School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Komal Rani
- School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Abhisheka Bansal
- School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Leeder WM, Kruse E, Göringer HU. Trypanosomatid, fluorescence-based in vitro U-insertion/U-deletion RNA-editing (FIDE). Bio Protoc 2021; 11:e3935. [PMID: 33796609 DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.3935] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene expression within the mitochondria of African trypanosomes and other protozoan organisms relies on a nucleotide-specific RNA-editing reaction. In the process exclusively uridine (U)-nucleotides are site-specifically inserted into and deleted from sequence-deficient primary transcripts to convert them into translatable mRNAs. The reaction is catalyzed by a 0.8 MDa multiprotein complex termed the editosome. Here we describe an improved in vitro test to quantitatively explore the catalytic activity of the editosome. The assay uses synthetic, fluorophore-derivatized oligoribonucleotides as editing substrates, which enable the automated electrophoretic separation of the reaction products by capillary electrophoresis (CE) coupled to laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) detection systems. The assay is robust, it requires only nanogram amounts of materials and by using multicapillary CE/LIF-instruments it can be executed in a highly parallel layout. Further improvements include the usage of phosphorothioate-modified and thus RNase-resistant substrate RNAs as well as multiplex-type fluorophore labeling strategies to monitor the U-insertion and U-deletion reaction simultaneously. The assay is useful for investigating the mechanism and enzymology of the editosome. However, it can also be executed in high-throughput to screen for RNA editing-specific inhibitors. Graphic abstract: Characteristics of the fluorescence-based in vitro U-insertion/U-deletion RNA-editing (FIDE) assay.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Elisabeth Kruse
- Molecular Genetics, Technical University Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - H Ulrich Göringer
- Molecular Genetics, Technical University Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Pérez-Bustamante IS, Cáceres-Martínez J, Cruz-Flores R, Vásquez-Yeomans R. First record of dark leathery surface of geoduck clams in Panopea globosa. J Invertebr Pathol 2021; 180:107543. [PMID: 33548265 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2021.107543] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Dark Leathery Surface of Geoduck Clams (LSGC) is an alteration that affects the periostracum of the mantle and siphon of Panopea generosa from the northwest coast of Canada and Mexico. This alteration affects commercialization and possibly the survival of the clams. The cause of LSGC is unknown but has been correlated with presence of fungi and protozoans. We detected a similar alteration in Panopea globosa from Baja California, Mexico and the histophagous ciliate Uronema marinum was isolated from affected siphon tissue. U. marinum was identified by its morphology and by genetic analysis of the gene 18S rRNA. This is the first record of LSGC in P. globosa and the first identification of a histophagous protozoan associated with it.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Itzel Soledad Pérez-Bustamante
- Universidad Autónoma de Baja California - Facultad de Ciencias Marinas, Carretera Transpeninsular Ensenada-Tijuana No. 3917, Zona Playitas, 22860 Ensenada, Baja CA, Mexico
| | - Jorge Cáceres-Martínez
- Centro de Investigación Científica y Educación Superior de Ensenada (CICESE), Carretera Ensenada-Tijuana No. 3918, Zona Playitas, 22860 Ensenada, Baja CA, Mexico.
| | - Roberto Cruz-Flores
- Centro de Investigación Científica y Educación Superior de Ensenada (CICESE), Carretera Ensenada-Tijuana No. 3918, Zona Playitas, 22860 Ensenada, Baja CA, Mexico; Aquaculture Pathology Laboratory, School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Building 90, The University of Arizona, 85721 Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Rebeca Vásquez-Yeomans
- Centro de Investigación Científica y Educación Superior de Ensenada (CICESE), Carretera Ensenada-Tijuana No. 3918, Zona Playitas, 22860 Ensenada, Baja CA, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Abstract
The global spread of parasites is unquestionably linked with human activities. Migration in all its different forms played a major role in the introduction of parasites into new areas. In ancient times, mass migrations were the main causes for the spread of parasites while in the recent past and present, emigration, immigration, displacement, external and internal migration, and labor migration were the reasons for the dispersal of parasites. With the advent of seagoing ships, long-distance trading became another important mode of spreading parasites. This review summarizes the spread of parasites using notable examples. In addition, the different hypotheses explaining the arrival of Plasmodium vivax and soil-transmitted helminths in pre-Columbian America are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dietmar Steverding
- Bob Champion Research and Education Building, Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia , Norwich, UK
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Martínez-Flórez A, Galizzi M, Izquierdo L, Bustamante JM, Rodriguez A, Rodriguez F, Rodríguez-Cortés A, Alberola J. Repurposing bioenergetic modulators against protozoan parasites responsible for tropical diseases. Int J Parasitol Drugs Drug Resist 2020; 14:17-27. [PMID: 32829099 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpddr.2020.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Malaria, leishmaniasis and trypanosomiasis are arthropod-borne, parasitic diseases that constitute a major global health problem. They are generally found in developing countries, where lack of access to preventive tools and treatment hinders their management. Because these parasites share an increased demand on glucose consumption with most cancer cells, six compounds used in anti-tumoral research were selected to be tested as antiparasitic agents in in vitro models of Leishmania infantum, Trypanosoma brucei, T. cruzi, and Plasmodium falciparum: dichloroacetic acid (DCA), 3-bromopyruvic acid (3BP), 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2DG), lonidamine (LND), metformin (MET), and sirolimus (SIR). No parasite-killing activity was found in L. infantum promastigotes, whereas DCA and 3BP reduced the burden of intra-macrophagic amastigotes. For T. brucei all selected compounds, but 2DG, decreased parasite survival. DCA, 2DG, LND and MET showed parasite-killing activity in T. cruzi. Finally, anti-plasmodial activity was found for DCA, 2DG, LND, MET and SIR. These results reinforce the hypothesis that drugs with proven efficacy in the treatment of cancer by interfering with ATP production, proliferation, and survival cell strategies might be useful in treating threatening parasitic diseases and provide new opportunities for their repurposing. Parasitic diseases are prevalent among the poorest of the poor. Some parasitic protists degrade glucose into CO2 even aerobically making this a target. Degrading glucose into CO2 (Warburg effect) is also characteristic for cancer cells. Repurposing cancer glycolysis blockers may provide cost-effective treatments for the poorest.
Collapse
|
14
|
de Pontes LG, Altei WF, Galan A, Bilić P, Guillemin N, Kuleš J, Horvatić A, Ribeiro LNDM, de Paula E, Pereira VBR, Lucheis SB, Mrljak V, Eckersall PD, Ferreira RS, Dos Santos LD. Extracellular vesicles in infectious diseases caused by protozoan parasites in buffaloes. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2020; 26:e20190067. [PMID: 32528536 PMCID: PMC7262785 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2019-0067] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are small membrane-bound vesicles of growing interest in vetetinary parasitology. The aim of the present report was to provide the first isolation, quantification and protein characterization of EVs from buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) sera infected with Theileria spp. Methods Infected animals were identified through optical microscopy and PCR. EVs were isolated from buffalo sera by size-exclusion chromatography and characterized using western blotting analysis, nanoparticle tracking analysis and transmission electron microscopy. Subsequently, the proteins from isolated vesicles were characterized by mass spectrometry. Results EVs from buffalo sera have shown sizes in the 124-140 nm range and 306 proteins were characterized. The protein-protein interaction analysis has evidenced biological processes and molecular function associated with signal transduction, binding, regulation of metabolic processes, transport, catalytic activity and response to acute stress. Five proteins have been shown to be differentially expressed between the control group and that infected with Theileria spp., all acting in the oxidative stress pathway. Conclusions EVs from buffaloes infected with Theileria spp. were successfully isolated and characterized. This is an advance in the knowledge of host-parasite relationship that contributes to the understanding of host immune response and theileriosis evasion mechanisms. These findings may pave the way for searching new EVs candidate-markers for a better production of safe biological products derived from buffaloes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leticia Gomes de Pontes
- Graduate Program in Tropical Diseases, Botucatu Medical School (FMB), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Wanessa Fernanda Altei
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Asier Galan
- ERA Chair Team (VetMedZg), Clinic for Internal Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Petra Bilić
- ERA Chair Team (VetMedZg), Clinic for Internal Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nicolas Guillemin
- ERA Chair Team (VetMedZg), Clinic for Internal Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Josipa Kuleš
- ERA Chair Team (VetMedZg), Clinic for Internal Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Anita Horvatić
- ERA Chair Team (VetMedZg), Clinic for Internal Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Lígia Nunes de Morais Ribeiro
- Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Eneida de Paula
- Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | - Vladimir Mrljak
- ERA Chair Team (VetMedZg), Clinic for Internal Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Peter David Eckersall
- ERA Chair Team (VetMedZg), Clinic for Internal Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia.,Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom, UK
| | - Rui Seabra Ferreira
- Graduate Program in Tropical Diseases, Botucatu Medical School (FMB), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Clinical Research, Botucatu Medical School (FMB), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil.,Center for the Study of Venoms and Venomous Animals (CEVAP), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Lucilene Delazari Dos Santos
- Graduate Program in Tropical Diseases, Botucatu Medical School (FMB), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Clinical Research, Botucatu Medical School (FMB), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil.,Center for the Study of Venoms and Venomous Animals (CEVAP), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Manzano-Román R, Fuentes M. Relevance and proteomics challenge of functional posttranslational modifications in Kinetoplastid parasites. J Proteomics 2020; 220:103762. [PMID: 32244008 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2020.103762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Protozoan parasitic infections are health, social and economic issues impacting both humans and animals, with significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Protozoan parasites have complicated life cycles with both intracellular and extracellular forms. As a consequence, protozoan adapt to changing environments in part through a dynamic enzyme-catalyzed process leading to reversible posttranslational modifications (PTMs). The characterization by proteomics approaches reveals the critical role of the PTMs of the proteins involved in host-pathogen interaction. The complexity of PTMs characterization is increased by the high diversity, stoichiometry, dynamic and also co-existence of several PTMs in the same moieties which crosstalk between them. Here, we review how to understand the complexity and the essential role of PTMs crosstalk in order to provide a new hallmark for vaccines developments, immunotherapies and personalized medicine. In addition, the importance of these motifs in the biology and biological cycle of kinetoplastid parasites is highlighted with key examples showing the potential to act as targets against protozoan diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Manzano-Román
- Proteomics Unit, Cancer Research Centre (IBMCC/CSIC/USAL/IBSAL), 37007, Salamanca, Spain..
| | - M Fuentes
- Proteomics Unit, Cancer Research Centre (IBMCC/CSIC/USAL/IBSAL), 37007, Salamanca, Spain.; Proteomics Unit, Cancer Research Centre (IBMCC/CSIC/USAL/IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain; Department of Medicine and General Cytometry Service-Nucleus, Cancer Research Centre (IBMCC/CSIC/USAL/IBSAL), 37007, Salamanca, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Ghartey-Kwansah G, Aboagye B, Adu-Nti F, Opoku YK, Abu EK. Clearing or subverting the enemy: Role of autophagy in protozoan infections. Life Sci 2020; 247:117453. [PMID: 32088215 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.117453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 01/02/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The protozoan parasites are evolutionarily divergent, unicellular eukaryotic pathogens representing one of the essential sources of parasitic diseases. These parasites significantly affect the economy and cause public health burdens globally. Protozoan parasites share many cellular features and pathways with their respective host cells. This includes autophagy, a process responsible for self-degradation of the cell's components. There is conservation of the central structural and functional machinery for autophagy in most of the eukaryotic phyla, however, Plasmodium and Toxoplasma possess a decreased number of recognizable autophagy-related proteins (ATG). Plasmodium noticeably lacks clear orthologs of the initiating kinase ATG1/ULK1/2, and both Plasmodium and Toxoplasma lack proteins involved in the nucleation of autophagosomes. These organisms have essential apicoplast, a plastid-like non-photosynthetic organelle, which is an adaptation that is used in penetrating the host cell. Furthermore, available evidence suggests that Leishmania, an intracellular protozoan parasite, induces autophagy in macrophages. The autophagic pathway in Trypanosoma cruzi is activated during metacyclogenesis, a process responsible for the infective forms of parasites. Therefore, numerous pathogens have developed strategies to impair the autophagic mechanism in phagocytes. Regulating autophagy is essential to maintain cellular health as adjustments in the autophagy pathway have been linked to the progression of several physiological and pathological conditions in humans. In this review, we report current advances in autophagy in parasites and their host cells, focusing on the ramifications of these studies in the design of potential anti-protozoan therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- George Ghartey-Kwansah
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana; College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, China.
| | - Benjamin Aboagye
- Department of Forensic Sciences, College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Frank Adu-Nti
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, China
| | - Yeboah Kwaku Opoku
- Department of Biology Education, Faculty of Science, University of Education, Winneba, Ghana
| | - Emmanuel Kwasi Abu
- Department of Optometry and Vision Science, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Abstract
Intracellular pathogens depend on specific mechanisms to be able to gain entry and survive into their host cells. For this, they subvert pathways involved in physiological cellular processes. Here we are going to focus on how two protozoan parasites, Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania sp, which may cause severe diseases in humans, use plasma membrane repair (PMR) mechanisms to gain entry in host intracellular environment. T. cruzi is the causative agent of Chagas disease, a disease originally endemic of central and South America, but that has become widespread around the globe. T. cruzi is able to invade any nucleated cell, but muscle cells are usually the main targets during chronic disease. During host cell contact, the parasite interacts with proteins at the host cell surface and may cause damage to their membrane, which has been shown to be responsible for inducing intracellular calcium increase and PMR-related events that culminate with parasite internalization. The same was recently observed for Leishmania sp, when infecting nonprofessional phagocytic cells, such as fibroblasts. Other pathogens, such as viruses or bacteria may also use PMR-related events for invasion and vacuole escape/maturation. In some cases, PMR may also be responsible to modulate pathogen intracellular development. These other PMR roles in pathogen infections will also be briefly discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luciana O Andrade
- Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Nebbak A, Dahmana H, Almeras L, Raoult D, Boulanger N, Jaulhac B, Mediannikov O, Parola P. Co-infection of bacteria and protozoan parasites in Ixodes ricinus nymphs collected in the Alsace region, France. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2019; 10:101241. [PMID: 31279737 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2019.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [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: 11/29/2018] [Revised: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 06/01/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Fifty nymphal Ixodes ricinus ticks collected in Alsace, France, identified by morphological criteria and using MALDI-TOF MS, were tested by PCR to detect tick-associated bacteria and protozoan parasites. Seventy percent (35/50) of ticks contained at least one microorganism; 26% (9/35) contained two or more species. Several human pathogens were identified including Borrelia burgdorferi s.s. (4%), Borrelia afzelii (2%), Borrelia garinii (2%), Borrelia valaisiana (4%), Borrelia miyamotoi (2%), Rickettsia helvetica (6%) and "Babesia venatorum" (2%). Bartonella spp. (10%) and a Wolbachia spp. (8%) were also detected. The most common co-infections involved Anaplasmataceae with Borrelia spp. (4%), Anaplasmataceae with Bartonella spp. (6%) and Anaplasmataceae with Rickettsia spp. (6%). Co-infection involving three different groups of bacteria was seen between bacteria of the family Anaplasmataceae, Borrelia spp. and Bartonella spp. (2%). Results highlight the panel of infectious agents carried by Ixodes ricinus. Co-infection suggests the possibility of transmission of more than one pathogen to human and animals during tick blood feeding.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amira Nebbak
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France; Centre de Recherche Scientifique et Technique en Analyses Physico-Chimiques (CRAPC). Zone Industrielle, BP 384 Bou-Ismail, Tipaza Algeria.
| | - Handi Dahmana
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France.
| | - Lionel Almeras
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France; Unité de Parasitologie et Entomologie, Département des Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Marseille, France.
| | | | - Nathalie Boulanger
- Centre National de Reference Borrelia, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Strasbourg, France; EA7290Virulence bactérienne précoce: groupe borréliose de Lyme, Facultés de pharmacie et de médecine, Université de Strasbourg, France.
| | - Benoit Jaulhac
- Centre National de Reference Borrelia, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Strasbourg, France; EA7290Virulence bactérienne précoce: groupe borréliose de Lyme, Facultés de pharmacie et de médecine, Université de Strasbourg, France.
| | | | - Philippe Parola
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, Marseille, France; IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Pramanik PK, Alam MN, Roy Chowdhury D, Chakraborti T. Drug Resistance in Protozoan Parasites: An Incessant Wrestle for Survival. J Glob Antimicrob Resist 2019; 18:1-11. [PMID: 30685461 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgar.2019.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [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: 07/30/2018] [Revised: 01/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Nowadays, drug resistance in parasites is considered to be one of the foremost concerns in health and disease management. It is interconnected worldwide and undermines the health of millions of people, threatening to grow worse. Unfortunately, it does not receive serious attention from every corner of society. Consequently, drug resistance in parasites is gradually complicating and challenging the treatment of parasitic diseases. In this context, we have dedicated ourselves to review the incidence of drug resistance in the protozoan parasites Plasmodium, Leishmania, Trypanosoma, Entamoeba and Toxoplasma gondii. Moreover, understanding the role of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters in drug resistance is essential in the control of parasitic diseases. Therefore, we also focused on the involvement of ABC transporters in drug resistance, which will be a superior approach to find ways for better regulation of diseases caused by parasitic infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pijush Kanti Pramanik
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Kalyani, Kalyani 741235, West Bengal, India
| | - Md Nur Alam
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Kalyani, Kalyani 741235, West Bengal, India
| | - Dibyapriya Roy Chowdhury
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Kalyani, Kalyani 741235, West Bengal, India
| | - Tapati Chakraborti
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Kalyani, Kalyani 741235, West Bengal, India.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Sánchez C, López MC, Galeano LA, Qvarnstrom Y, Houghton K, Ramírez JD. Molecular detection and genotyping of pathogenic protozoan parasites in raw and treated water samples from southwest Colombia. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:563. [PMID: 30367668 PMCID: PMC6203992 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-3147-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2018] [Accepted: 10/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Protozoan parasites such as Giardia duodenalis, Cryptosporidium spp., Cyclospora cayetanensis, Toxoplasma gondii and Entamoeba histolytica represent a great challenge to the systems producing water for human consumption because their cystic forms are persistent in the environment and resist to the disinfection methods conventionally used for their control. In this study, we investigated the presence of these protozoan pathogens in both raw and treated water samples used for the production of drinking water in Nariño Department, southwest Colombia. We collected 110 water samples (10 lof each sample) and analyzed them with real-time PCR (qPCR). qPCR-positive samples were genotyped with PCR and DNA sequencing. RESULTS Giardia duodenalis was detected in 35/110 (31.8%) of the samples and Cryptosporidium spp. in 9/110 (8.2%) of the samples; no sample was positive for T. gondii, E. histolytica or C. cayetanensis. Giardia duodenalis was detected in samples of both raw water (Drinking Water Treatment Plants (DWTP): 47.83%;Drinking Water Rural Plants (DWRP): 18.42%) and water collected either after conventional physicochemical treatment (26.09%) or after disinfection by chlorine (50%), whereas Cryptosporidium spp. were only detected in raw waters (DWTP: 17.39%; DWRP: 13.16%). The two pathogens were detected in both types of treatment plants supplying water to urban areas and to rural zones. Analysis of gdh and tpi markers identified assemblages AI, AII and H of G. duodenalis, while analysis of the small subunit rRNA and gp60 markers of Cryptosporidium-positive samples identified C. parvum (Subtype IIcA5G3c), C. galli, C. molnari, Cryptosporidium sp. genotype II of bats and Cryptosporidium sp. genotype VIII of birds. CONCLUSIONS The results obtained demonstrate the presence of protozoan parasites in the water of the study region, and the need to improve the surveillance systems for these pathogens and identify the corresponding sources of contamination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Sánchez
- Grupo de Investigación en Materiales Funcionales y Catálisis (GIMFC), Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Nariño, 520002 Pasto, Colombia
- Departamento de Salud Pública, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, 111321 Bogotá, Colombia
- Grupo de Investigaciones Microbiológicas-UR (GIMUR), Programa de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Matemáticas, Universidad del Rosario, 110111 Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Myriam Consuelo López
- Departamento de Salud Pública, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, 111321 Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Luis Alejandro Galeano
- Grupo de Investigación en Materiales Funcionales y Catálisis (GIMFC), Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Nariño, 520002 Pasto, Colombia
| | - Yvonne Qvarnstrom
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, 30329 USA
| | - Katelyn Houghton
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, 30329 USA
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education Research Participation Program, Oak Ridge, 37830 USA
| | - Juan David Ramírez
- Grupo de Investigaciones Microbiológicas-UR (GIMUR), Programa de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Matemáticas, Universidad del Rosario, 110111 Bogotá, Colombia
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Tassone G, Mangani S, Botta M, Pozzi C. Probing the role of Arg97 in Heat shock protein 90 N-terminal domain from the parasite Leishmania braziliensis through site-directed mutagenesis on the human counterpart. Biochim Biophys Acta Proteins Proteom 2018; 1866:1190-1198. [PMID: 30248409 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2018.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Revised: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
In Brazil, the mucocutaneous form of leishmaniasis, caused by the parasite Leishmania braziliensis, is a widespread and very challenging disease responsible for disfiguration and, in the most severe cases, death. Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) is a ubiquitous molecular chaperone playing a pivotal role in the folding process of client proteins, and therefore its activity is fundamental for cell survival and proliferation. Since the chaperone activity requires ATP hydrolysis, molecules able to occupy the ATP binding pocket in the protein N-terminal domain (NTD) act as Hsp90 inhibitors. The development of selective molecules targeting the ATPase site of protozoan Hsp90 is tricky for the high homology with the human Hsp90 NTD (hNTD). Notably, only the human Lys112 is replaced by Arg97 in the L. braziliensis enzyme. Recently, this difference has been probed to design selective inhibitors targeting parasite Hsp90s. Here, a reliable protocol for expression and purification of LbHsp90-NTD (LbNTD) was developed but its structural characterization was unsuccessful. The role of Arg97 in LbNTD was hence probed by means of the "leishmanized" K112R variant of hNTDα. To deeply investigate the role of this residue, also the hNTDα K112A variant was generated. Structural studies performed on hNTDα and its variants using various ADP and ATP analogues and cAMP revealed that this residue is not crucial for nucleotide binding. This finding strongly suggests that Arg97 in LbNTD and more generally the conserved arginine residue in parasite Hsp90s are not exploitable for the development of selective inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giusy Tassone
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Department of Excellence 2018-2022, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro, 2, 53100 Siena (SI), Italy
| | - Stefano Mangani
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Department of Excellence 2018-2022, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro, 2, 53100 Siena (SI), Italy
| | - Maurizio Botta
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Department of Excellence 2018-2022, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro, 2, 53100 Siena (SI), Italy; Lead Discovery Siena S.r.l., Castelnuovo Berardenga, Siena, Italy; Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biotechnology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Cecilia Pozzi
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Department of Excellence 2018-2022, University of Siena, via Aldo Moro, 2, 53100 Siena (SI), Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Kukina IV, Guzeeva TM, Zelya OP, Ganushkina LA. Fatal human babesiosis caused by Babesia divergens in an asplenic host. IDCases 2018; 13:e00414. [PMID: 30073148 DOI: 10.1016/j.idcr.2018.e00414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2018] [Revised: 05/21/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
We report a fatal case of human babesiosis caused by bovine pathogen Babesia divergens in Russia. Falciparum malaria was falsely diagnosed due to the presence of small ring forms in the blood smear. Laboratory diagnosis can distinguish between babesiosis and malaria according to the examination of stained blood smears.
Collapse
|
23
|
Jadallah KA, Nimri LF, Ghanem RA. Protozoan parasites in irritable bowel syndrome: A case-control study. World J Gastrointest Pharmacol Ther 2017; 8:201-207. [PMID: 29152406 PMCID: PMC5680167 DOI: 10.4292/wjgpt.v8.i4.201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Revised: 07/10/2017] [Accepted: 08/04/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To investigate the putative role of protozoan parasites in the development of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
METHODS The study included 109 IBS consecutive adult patients fulfilling the Rome III criteria and 100 healthy control subjects. All study subjects filled a structured questionnaire, which covered demographic information and clinical data. Fresh stool samples were collected from patients and control subjects and processed within less than 2 h of collection. Iodine wet mounts and Trichrome stained smears prepared from fresh stool and sediment concentrate were microscopically examined for parasites. Blastocystis DNA was detected by polymerase chain reaction, and Cryptosporidium antigens were detected by ELISA.
RESULTS A total of 109 IBS patients (31 males, 78 females) with a mean age ± SD of 27.25 ± 11.58 years (range: 16 -60 years) were enrolled in the study. The main IBS subtype based on the symptoms of these patients was constipation-predominant (88.7% of patients). A hundred healthy subjects (30 males, 70 females) with a mean ± SD age of 25.0 ± 9.13 years (range 18-66 years) were recruited as controls. In the IBS patients, Blastocystis DNA was detected in 25.7%, Cryptosporidium oocysts were observed in 9.2%, and Giardia cysts were observed in 11%. In the control subjects, Blastocystis, Cryptosporidium and Giardia were detected in 9%, 0%, and 1%, respectively. The difference in the presence of Blastocystis (P = 0.0034), Cryptosporidium (P = 0.0003), and Giardia (P = 0.0029) between IBS patients and controls was statistically significant by all methods used in this study.
CONCLUSION Prevalence of Blastocystis, Cryptosporidium and Giardia is higher in IBS patients than in controls. These parasites are likely to have a role in the pathogenesis of IBS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Khaled A Jadallah
- Department of Internal Medicine, King Abdullah University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan
| | - Laila F Nimri
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan
| | - Rola A Ghanem
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Suja G, Kripa V, Sunil Mohamed K, Lijo J, Mini KG, Sanil NK. Parasites and pathological conditions in the edible oyster, Crassostrea madrasensis (Preston), from the east and west coasts of India. Parasitol Res 2017; 116:2569-2579. [PMID: 28752231 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-017-5566-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [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: 04/12/2017] [Accepted: 07/20/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
A detailed pathological survey was carried out on the commercially important edible oyster, Crassostrea madrasensis (Preston), from two distinct coastal/brackish water ecosystems of south India. Samples were collected twice a year during wet and dry seasons from 2009 to 2012. Bacterial colonies in the form of prokaryotic inclusions, protozoans (Perkinsus beihaiensis, Nematopsis sp. and ciliates Sphenophrya sp. and Stegotricha sp.), metazoans (trematodes, turbellaria, cestodes and crustaceans) and shell parasites (Polydora spp. and Cliona spp.) along with various pathological conditions (digestive tubule atrophy, ceroid bodies, haemocytic infiltration, tissue necrosis and neoplastic disorders) were observed in C. madrasensis collected from two sites. Intensity, spatial and seasonal variations in infection prevalence and pathological effects on the host were studied. The protozoan parasite, P. beihaiensis; shell parasite, Polydora spp. and pathological condition, digestive gland atrophy were most prevalent in occurrence. High-intensity infections with P. beihaiensis, larval trematodes and Polydora spp. were found to cause significant impact on host physiology. All other parasites were observed with low mean prevalence and intensity. Karapad in Tuticorin bay, the site reported with marked pollution levels, exhibited higher number of parasitic taxa and high mean prevalence and intensity for pathological conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G Suja
- Fish Health Section, Marine Biotechnology Division, Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, PB No. 1603, Ernakulam North P.O, Cochin, 682018, India.
| | - V Kripa
- Fishery Environment and Management Division, Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, PB No. 1603, Cochin, 682018, India
| | - K Sunil Mohamed
- Molluscan Fisheries Division, Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, PB No. 1603, Cochin, 682018, India
| | - J Lijo
- Fish Health Section, Marine Biotechnology Division, Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, PB No. 1603, Ernakulam North P.O, Cochin, 682018, India.,Export Inspection Agency-Kochi Laboratory, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Govt. of India, Panampilly Nagar (South), Kochi, 682 036, India
| | - K G Mini
- Fishery Resources Assessment Division, Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, PB No. 1603, Cochin, 682018, India
| | - N K Sanil
- Fish Health Section, Marine Biotechnology Division, Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, PB No. 1603, Ernakulam North P.O, Cochin, 682018, India
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Hu S, Wei W, Korner H. The role of monocytes in models of infection by protozoan parasites. Mol Immunol 2017; 88:174-84. [PMID: 28704704 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2017.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2017] [Revised: 05/29/2017] [Accepted: 06/04/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The confirmation of developmental differences between tissue macrophages and peripheral monocytes has changed our view of the functions and dynamics of these two important components of the innate immune system. It has been demonstrated conclusively that homeostasis of tissue resident macrophages is maintained by a low proliferative turn over. During an inflammatory response, bone marrow derived monocytes enter the tissue in large numbers and take part in the defense against the pathogens. After the destruction of invading pathogens, these cells disappear and tissue resident macrophages can be detected again. This new appreciation of the innate immune response has not only answered many outstanding questions regarding the role of the different myeloid cell types in inflammation, but also opened up new areas of research relating to the tissue- and pathogen-specific fate of the inflammatory macrophages or dendritic cells (DCs), and the transfer of this knowledge from mouse models to the human immune system. Nevertheless, there is still confusion in infection models, and especially in studies of human infections, as to what extent these recent observations and findings influence previous interpretations of data. This review will focus on insights from mouse models, summarize the literature on the ontogeny of macrophages and monocytes, explain the role of frequently used monocyte markers and effector molecules, and finally, discuss the role of inflammatory monocytes/macrophages/DCs in two experimental parasitic diseases.
Collapse
|
26
|
Freitas-Mesquita AL, Meyer-Fernandes JR. 3'nucleotidase/nuclease in protozoan parasites: Molecular and biochemical properties and physiological roles. Exp Parasitol 2017; 179:1-6. [PMID: 28587841 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2017.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2017] [Revised: 05/16/2017] [Accepted: 06/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
3'-nucleotidase/nuclease (3'NT/NU) is a bi-functional enzyme that is able to hydrolyze 3'-monophosphorylated nucleotides and nucleic acids. This review summarizes the major molecular and biochemical properties of this enzyme in different trypanosomatid species. Sequence analysis of the gene encoding 3'NT/NU in Leishmania and Crithidia species showed that the protein possesses five highly conserved regions that are characteristic of members of the class I nuclease family. 3'NT/NU presents a molecular weight of approximately 40 kDa, which is conserved among the studied species. Throughout the review, we discuss inhibitors and substrate specificity, relating them to the putative structure of the enzyme. Finally, we present the major biological roles performed by 3'NT/NU. The involvement of 3'NT/NU in the purine salvage pathway was confirmed by the increase of activity and expression of the enzyme when the parasites were submitted to purine starvation. The generation of extracellular adenosine is also important to the modulation of the host immune response. Interaction assays involving Leishmania parasites and macrophages indicated that 3'-nucleotidase activity increases the association index between them. Recently, it was shown that 3'NT/NU plays a role in parasite escape from neutrophil extracellular traps, one of the first mechanisms of the host immune system for preventing infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anita Leocadio Freitas-Mesquita
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 21941-590, Brazil.
| | - José Roberto Meyer-Fernandes
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 21941-590, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Efstratiou A, Ongerth JE, Karanis P. Waterborne transmission of protozoan parasites: Review of worldwide outbreaks - An update 2011-2016. Water Res 2017; 114:14-22. [PMID: 28214721 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2017.01.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 343] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2016] [Revised: 01/18/2017] [Accepted: 01/19/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
This review provides a comprehensive update of worldwide waterborne parasitic protozoan outbreaks that occurred with reports published since previous reviews largely between January 2011 and December 2016. At least 381 outbreaks attributed to waterborne transmission of parasitic protozoa were documented during this time period. The nearly half (49%) of reports occurred in New Zealand, 41% of the outbreaks in North America and 9% in Europe. The most common etiological agent was Cryptosporidium spp., reported in 63% (239) of the outbreaks, while Giardia spp. was mentioned in 37% (142). No outbreaks attributed to other parasitic protozoa were reported. The distribution of reported outbreaks does not correspond to more broadly available epidemiological data or general knowledge of water and environmental conditions in the reporting countries. Noticeably, developing countries that are probably most affected by such waterborne disease outbreaks still lack reliable surveillance systems, and an international standardization of surveillance and reporting systems has yet to be established.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Artemis Efstratiou
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Center for Biomedicine and Infectious Diseases, Academy of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining, Qinghai 810016, PR China; National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Jerry E Ongerth
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Center for Biomedicine and Infectious Diseases, Academy of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining, Qinghai 810016, PR China; Civil, Mining, & Environmental Engineering, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Panagiotis Karanis
- State Key Laboratory of Plateau Ecology and Agriculture, Center for Biomedicine and Infectious Diseases, Academy of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining, Qinghai 810016, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Gómez-Arreaza A, Haenni AL, Dunia I, Avilán L. Viruses of parasites as actors in the parasite-host relationship: A "ménage à trois". Acta Trop 2017; 166:126-32. [PMID: 27876650 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2016.11.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2016] [Revised: 11/11/2016] [Accepted: 11/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The complex parasite-host relationship involves multiple mechanisms. Moreover, parasites infected by viruses modify this relationship adding more complexity to the system that now comprises three partners. Viruses infecting parasites were described several decades ago. However, until recently little was known about the viruses involved and their impact on the resulting disease caused to the hosts. To clarify this situation, we have concentrated on parasitic diseases caused to humans and on how virus-infected parasites could alter the symptoms inflicted on the human host. It is clear that the effect caused to the human host depends on the virus and on the parasite it has infected. Consequently, the review is divided as follows: Viruses with a possible effect on the virulence of the parasite. This section reviews pertinent articles showing that infection of parasites by viruses might increase the detrimental effect of the tandem virus-parasite on the human host (hypervirulence) or decrease virulence of the parasite (hypovirulence). Parasites as vectors affecting the transmission of viruses. In some cases, the virus-infected parasite might facilitate the transfer of the virus to the human host. Parasites harboring viruses with unidentified effects on their host. In spite of recently renewed interest in parasites in connection with their viruses, there still remains a number of cases in which the effect of the virus of a given parasite on the human host remains ambiguous. The triangular relationship between the virus, the parasite and the host, and the modulation of the pathogenicity and virulence of the parasites by viruses should be taken into account in the rationale of fighting against parasites.
Collapse
|
29
|
Abstract
Efficient and site-specific alteration of the genome is key to decoding and altering the genomic information of an organism. Over the last couple of years, the RNA-guided Cas9 nucleases derived from the prokaryotic type 2 CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) systems have drastically improved our ability to engineer the genomes of a variety of organisms including Toxoplasma gondii. In this chapter, we describe detailed protocols for using the CRISPR/Cas9 system adapted from Streptococcus pyogenes to perform efficient genetic manipulations in T. gondii such as gene disruption, gene tagging and genetic complementation. The technical details of the strategy, including CRISPR plasmid construction, target construct generation, parasite transfection and positive clone identification are also provided. These methods are easy to customize to any gene of interest (GOI) and will greatly accelerate studies on this important pathogen.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bang Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
| | - Kevin Brown
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Ave, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Shaojun Long
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Ave, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - L David Sibley
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Ave, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Hadi M, Mesdaghinia A, Yunesian M, Nasseri S, Nabizadeh Nodehi R, Tashauoei H, Jalilzadeh E, Zarinnejad R. Contribution of environmental media to cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis prevalence in Tehran: a focus on surface waters. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2016; 23:19317-19329. [PMID: 27370533 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-016-7055-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2015] [Accepted: 06/07/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The occurrences of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in surface sources of drinking water in Tehran were monitored, using US EPA method 1623.1. The prevalence ratios (PR) of positive samples among other media (animal's stools, vegetables, and human's stools) were also estimated from literature data. The density of Giardia and Cryptosporidium in water samples were 0.129 ± 0.069 cysts/L and 0.005 ± 0.002 oocysts/L, respectively. Estimated PR in vegetables, animal stools, surface waters, and human stools were 6.65, 20.42, 21.05, and 4.28 % for Cryptosporidium and 6.46, 17.13, 73.68, and 15.65 % for Giardia, respectively. These reveal the importance of surface waters' and animal stools' roles in the prevalence of cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis in Tehran's population. Giardia's prevalence in untreated surface waters in Tehran was found 3.5 times as much as Cryptosporidium while this found 2.3 times on a global scale. Moreover, the prevalence of giardiasis to cryptosporidiosis infections in Tehran's human population was 3.65. These values could be a clue to attribute the infections to the occurrence of parasites in surface waters. Significant (p < 0.05) associations were observed between rainfalls and presence of Giardia (r = 0.62) and Cryptosporidium (r = 0.60) in surface waters. In autumn, rainfalls can increase the parasites occurrences in surface waters. Significant (p < 0.05) difference on the density of parasites was found between some seasons using Kruskal-Wallis and multiple comparison tests. A significant correlation (r = 0.86) between Giardia and Cryptosporidium densities also confirms the common sources of pollution in surface waters. Findings suggest that untreated surface waters in Tehran may be a potential route of human exposure to protozoan parasites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mahdi Hadi
- Center for Water Quality Research (CWQR), Institute for Environmental Research (IER), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Mesdaghinia
- Center for Water Quality Research (CWQR), Institute for Environmental Research (IER), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Masud Yunesian
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Center for Air Pollution Research (CAPR), Institute for Environmental Research (IER), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Simin Nasseri
- Center for Water Quality Research (CWQR), Institute for Environmental Research (IER), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ramin Nabizadeh Nodehi
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Center for Air Pollution Research (CAPR), Institute for Environmental Research (IER), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamidreza Tashauoei
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Islamic Azad University-Tehran Medical Branch, Tehran, Iran
| | - Esfandiar Jalilzadeh
- Department of Water and Wastewater Quality Control Laboratory, Water and Wastewater Company, Tehran, Iran
| | - Roya Zarinnejad
- Department of Water and Wastewater Quality Control Laboratory, Water and Wastewater Company, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Avila EE, Rodriguez OI, Marquez JA, Berghuis AM. An Entamoeba histolytica ADP-ribosyl transferase from the diphtheria toxin family modifies the bacterial elongation factor Tu. Mol Biochem Parasitol 2016; 207:68-74. [PMID: 27234208 DOI: 10.1016/j.molbiopara.2016.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2015] [Revised: 03/17/2016] [Accepted: 05/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
ADP-ribosyl transferases are enzymes involved in the post-translational modification of proteins; they participate in multiple physiological processes, pathogenesis and host-pathogen interactions. Several reports have characterized the functions of these enzymes in viruses, prokaryotes and higher eukaryotes, but few studies have reported ADP-ribosyl transferases in lower eukaryotes, such as parasites. The locus EHI_155600 from Entamoeba histolytica encodes a hypothetical protein that possesses a domain from the ADP-ribosylation superfamily; this protein belongs to the diphtheria toxin family according to a homology model using poly-ADP-ribosyl polymerase 12 (PARP12 or ARTD12) as a template. The recombinant protein expressed in Escherichia coli exhibited in vitro ADP-ribosylation activity that was dependent on the time and temperature. Unlabeled βNAD(+), but not ADP-ribose, competed in the enzymatic reaction using biotin-βNAD(+) as the ADP-ribose donor. The recombinant enzyme, denominated EhToxin-like, auto-ADP-ribosylated and modified an acceptor from E. coli that was identified by MS/MS as the elongation factor Tu (EF-Tu). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report to identify an ADP-ribosyl transferase from the diphtheria toxin family in a protozoan parasite. The known toxins from this family (i.e., the diphtheria toxin, the Pseudomonas aeruginosa toxin Exo-A, and Cholix from Vibrio cholerae) modify eukaryotic elongation factor two (eEF-2), whereas the amoeba EhToxin-like modified EF-Tu, which is another elongation factor involved in protein synthesis in bacteria and mitochondria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eva E Avila
- Departamento de Biologia, DCNE, Universidad de Guanajuato, Colonia Noria Alta, CP 36050 Guanajuato, Mexico.
| | - Orlando I Rodriguez
- Departamento de Biologia, DCNE, Universidad de Guanajuato, Colonia Noria Alta, CP 36050 Guanajuato, Mexico
| | - Jaqueline A Marquez
- Departamento de Biologia, DCNE, Universidad de Guanajuato, Colonia Noria Alta, CP 36050 Guanajuato, Mexico
| | - Albert M Berghuis
- Departments of Biochemistry and Microbiology & Immunology, McGill University, Life Sciences Complex, Francesco Bellini Building, 3649 Promenade Sir William Osler, Room 470, Montreal, QC H3G 0B1, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Abstract
Basophils have been recognized as important players for protective immunity against a variety of different endo- and ectoparasites. Although basophils represent a relatively rare and short-lived cell type, they produce large quantities of effector molecules including histamine, cytokines, chemokines, and lipid mediators which promote type 2 immune responses. Basophils can be activated either directly by parasite-derived factors or indirectly by recognition of parasite-derived antigens via IgE bound to its high-affinity receptor FcεRI on the cell surface. Many parasitic infections cause expansion and tissue recruitment of basophils, but the role of basophils for protective immunity remains poorly understood. The development of basophil-deficient mouse models over the past few years makes it possible to study their contributions in various infections. We review here the current knowledge regarding the role of basophils for protective or immunomodulatory functions of basophils mainly during infections of mice with protozoan parasites, helminths, and ectoparasites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joerg U Eberle
- Department of Infection Biology, University Hospital Erlangen and Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - David Voehringer
- Department of Infection Biology, University Hospital Erlangen and Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), 91054, Erlangen, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Shiadeh MN, Niyyati M, Fallahi S, Rostami A. Human parasitic protozoan infection to infertility: a systematic review. Parasitol Res 2015; 115:469-77. [PMID: 26573517 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-015-4827-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [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: 10/23/2015] [Accepted: 11/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Protozoan parasitic diseases are endemic in many countries worldwide, especially in developing countries, where infertility is a major burden. It has been reported that such infections may cause infertility through impairment in male and female reproductive systems. We searched Medline, PubMed, and Scopus databases and Google scholar to identify the potentially relevant studies on protozoan parasitic infections and their implications in human and animal model infertility. Literature described that some of the protozoan parasites such as Trichomonas vaginalis may cause deformities of the genital tract, cervical neoplasia, and tubal and atypical pelvic inflammations in women and also non-gonoccocal urethritis, asthenozoospermia, and teratozoospermia in men. Toxopalasma gondii could cause endometritis, impaired folliculogenesis, ovarian and uterine atrophy, adrenal hypertrophy, vasculitis, and cessation of estrus cycling in female and also decrease in semen quality, concentration, and motility in male. Trypanosoma cruzi inhibits cell division in embryos and impairs normal implantation and development of placenta. Decrease in gestation rate, infection of hormone-producing glands, parasite invasion of the placenta, and overproduction of inflammatory cytokines in the oviducts and uterine horns are other possible mechanisms induced by Trypanosoma cruzi to infertility. Plasmodium spp. and Trypanosoma brucei spp. cause damage in pituitary gland, hormonal disorders, and decreased semen quality. Entamoeba histolytica infection leads to pelvic pain, salpingitis, tubo-ovarian abscess, and genital ulcers. Cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis can induce genital lesion, testicular amyloidosis, inflammation of epididymis, prostatitis, and sperm abnormality in human and animals. In addition, some epidemiological studies have reported that rates of protozoan infections in infertile patients are higher than healthy controls. The current review indicates that protozoan parasitic infections may be an important cause of infertility. Given the widespread prevalence of parasitic protozoa diseases worldwide, we suggest further studies to better understanding of relationship between such infections and infertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Maryam Niyyati
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shirzad Fallahi
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran.,Razi Herbal Medicines Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Science, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Ali Rostami
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Dann SM, Manthey CF, Le C, Miyamoto Y, Gima L, Abrahim A, Cao AT, Hanson EM, Kolls JK, Raz E, Cong Y, Eckmann L. IL-17A promotes protective IgA responses and expression of other potential effectors against the lumen-dwelling enteric parasite Giardia. Exp Parasitol 2015; 156:68-78. [PMID: 26071205 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2015.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [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: 01/12/2015] [Revised: 05/14/2015] [Accepted: 06/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Giardia lamblia is a leading protozoan cause of diarrheal disease worldwide. It colonizes the lumen and epithelial surface of the small intestine, but does not invade the mucosa. Acute infection causes only minimal mucosal inflammation. Effective immune defenses exist, yet their identity and mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Interleukin (IL)-17A has emerged as an important cytokine involved in inflammation and antimicrobial defense against bacterial pathogens at mucosal surfaces. In this study, we demonstrate that IL-17A has a crucial function in host defense against Giardia infection. Using murine infection models with G. muris and G. lamblia, we observed marked and selective induction of intestinal IL-17A with peak expression after 2 weeks. Th17 cells in the lamina propria and innate immune cells in the epithelial compartment of the small intestine were responsible for the IL-17A response. Experiments in gene-targeted mice revealed that the cytokine, and its cognate receptor IL-17RA, were required for eradication of the parasite. The actions of the cytokine were mediated by hematopoietic cells, and were required for the transport of IgA into the intestinal lumen, since IL-17A deficiency led to marked reduction of fecal IgA levels, as well as for increased intestinal expression of several other potential effectors, including β-defensin 1 and resistin-like molecule β. In contrast, intestinal hypermotility, another major antigiardial defense mechanism, was not impacted by IL-17A loss. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that IL-17A and IL-17 receptor signaling are essential for intestinal defense against the important lumen-dwelling intestinal parasite Giardia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara M Dann
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Carolin F Manthey
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Christine Le
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Yukiko Miyamoto
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Lauren Gima
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Andrew Abrahim
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Anthony T Cao
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Elaine M Hanson
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Jay K Kolls
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Eyal Raz
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Yingzi Cong
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Lars Eckmann
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Biswas T, Bandyopadhyay PK. Prevalence of a protozoan parasite Cristigera sp. (Ciliophora:Ciliatea) from edible oysters (Mollusca:Bivalvia) of Sundarbans, West Bengal, India. J Parasit Dis 2014; 38:297-301. [PMID: 25035589 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-012-0230-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2012] [Accepted: 12/26/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The coastal region of West Bengal is bestowed with a wide range of natural forest and aquatic resources. The estuarine complex is a culmination of the interaction of land, sea and freshwater. It offers diverse specialised habitats such as mangroves, non vegetated mudflats, inter tidal zones and reclaimed areas. Such areas are home to a number of terrestrial, freshwater and marine communities. Edible oyster resources in these regions are Crassostrea gryphoides and Saccostrea cucullata, which are the keystone species found in the intertidal zone and can tolerate huge variation of salinity. These are used as food by local people and marketed to earn cash. The population of this species has been declined due to parasitic infection and pollution. There are many protozoan parasites which infect these oysters causing diseases. During survey period, a protozoan parasite of the genus Cristigera have been observed only from the edible oyster Crassostrea gryphoides collected from Kaikhali and Frasergunj among three selected sites namely Kaikhali, Frasergunj and Digha of West Bengal mainly during monsoon and post-monsoon season. Considering such rare and specific prevalence of Cristigera sp, it may be considered as potential bio-indicator.
Collapse
|