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Developmental and Comparative Immunology Nov 2016Lepidopteran insects constitute one of the largest fractions of animals on earth, but are considered pests in their relationship with man. Key to the success of this... (Review)
Review
Lepidopteran insects constitute one of the largest fractions of animals on earth, but are considered pests in their relationship with man. Key to the success of this order of insects is its ability to digest food and absorb nutrition, which takes place in the midgut. Because environmental microorganisms can easily enter Lepidopteran guts during feeding, the innate immune response guards against pathogenic bacteria, virus and microsporidia that can be devoured with food. Gut immune responses are complicated by both resident gut microbiota and the surrounding peritrophic membrane and are distinct from immune responses in the body cavity, which depend on the function of the fat body and hemocytes. Due to their relevance to agricultural production, studies of Lepidopteran insect midgut and immunity are receiving more attention, and here we summarize gut structures and functions, and discuss how these confer immunity against different microorganisms. It is expected that increased knowledge of Lepidopteran gut immunity may be utilized for pest biological control in the future.
Topics: Animals; Bacterial Infections; Goblet Cells; Immunity, Mucosal; Intestines; Lepidoptera; Microbiota; Microsporidiosis; Pest Control; Virus Diseases
PubMed: 26872544
DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2016.02.010 -
Trends in Parasitology Apr 2016Intensification of food production has the potential to drive increased disease prevalence in food plants and animals. Microsporidia are diversely distributed,... (Review)
Review
Intensification of food production has the potential to drive increased disease prevalence in food plants and animals. Microsporidia are diversely distributed, opportunistic, and density-dependent parasites infecting hosts from almost all known animal taxa. They are frequent in highly managed aquatic and terrestrial hosts, many of which are vulnerable to epizootics, and all of which are crucial for the stability of the animal-human food chain. Mass rearing and changes in global climate may exacerbate disease and more efficient transmission of parasites in stressed or immune-deficient hosts. Further, human microsporidiosis appears to be adventitious and primarily associated with an increasing community of immune-deficient individuals. Taken together, strong evidence exists for an increasing prevalence of microsporidiosis in animals and humans, and for sharing of pathogens across hosts and biomes.
Topics: Animals; Communicable Diseases, Emerging; Food Chain; Food Parasitology; Humans; Microsporidia; Microsporidiosis
PubMed: 26796229
DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2015.12.004 -
Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Targets Nov 2018Microsporidia have been increasingly reported to infect humans. The most common presentation of microsporidiosis is chronic diarrhea, a significant mortality risk in... (Review)
Review
Microsporidia have been increasingly reported to infect humans. The most common presentation of microsporidiosis is chronic diarrhea, a significant mortality risk in immune-compromised patients. Albendazole, which inhibits tubulin, and fumagillin, which inhibits methionine aminopeptidase type 2 (MetAP2), are the two main therapeutic agents used for treatment of microsporidiosis. In addition, to their role as emerging pathogens in humans, microsporidia are important pathogens in insects, aquaculture, and veterinary medicine. New therapeutic targets and therapies have become a recent focus of attention for medicine, veterinary, and agricultural use. Areas covered: Herein, we discuss the detection and symptoms of microsporidiosis in humans and the therapeutic targets that have been utilized for the design of new drugs for the treatment of this infection, including triosephosphate isomerase, tubulin, MetAP2, topoisomerase IV, chitin synthases, and polyamines. Expert opinion: Enterocytozoon bieneusi is the most common microsporidia in human infection. Fumagillin has a broader anti-microsporidian activity than albendazole and is active against both Ent. bieneusi and Encephaliozoonidae. Microsporidia lack methionine aminopeptidase type 1 and are, therefore, dependent on MetAP2, while mammalian cells have both enzymes. Thus, MetAP2 is an essential enzyme in microsporidia and new inhibitors of this pathway have significant promise as therapeutic agents.
Topics: Albendazole; Animals; Antifungal Agents; Cyclohexanes; Drug Design; Fatty Acids, Unsaturated; Humans; Microsporidia; Microsporidiosis; Molecular Targeted Therapy; Sesquiterpenes
PubMed: 30336698
DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2018.1538360 -
Developmental and Comparative Immunology Nov 2016Fish intestinal parasites cause direct mortalities and also morbidity, poor growth, higher susceptibility to opportunistic pathogens and lower resistance to stress. This... (Review)
Review
Fish intestinal parasites cause direct mortalities and also morbidity, poor growth, higher susceptibility to opportunistic pathogens and lower resistance to stress. This review is focused on microscopic parasites (Protozoa and Metazoa) that invade the gastrointestinal tract of fish. Intracellular parasites (mainly Microsporidia and Apicomplexa) evoke almost no host immune reaction while they are concealed in the cytoplasmic and nuclear compartments, and can even use fish cells (macrophages) as Trojan horses to spread in the host. Inflammatory reaction only appears when the parasite bursts infected cells. Immunity against extracellular parasites is depicted for the myxozoans Ceratonova shasta and Enteromyxum spp. The cellular and humoral innate responses and the production of antibodies are crucial for resolving some of these myxozoonoses, but an excessive inflammatory reaction (concerted by cytokines) can become a fatal pathophysiological consequence. The local immune response plays a key role, with numerous genes more strongly regulated in the intestine than at lymphohaematopoietic organs.
Topics: Animals; Apicomplexa; Fishes; Gastrointestinal Tract; Immune Evasion; Immunity, Innate; Inflammation; Microsporidia; Microsporidiosis; Myxozoa; Parasitic Diseases, Animal; Protozoan Infections
PubMed: 26828391
DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2016.01.014 -
Trends in Parasitology Jun 2019Enterocytozoon bieneusi is the most common cause of human microsporidiosis and it also infects a wide range of mammals and birds worldwide. The role of animals in the... (Review)
Review
Enterocytozoon bieneusi is the most common cause of human microsporidiosis and it also infects a wide range of mammals and birds worldwide. The role of animals in the transmission of this parasite to humans and its public health importance remain poorly elucidated. This review summarizes all E. bieneusi genotypes identified thus far based on sequence analysis of the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) from specimens obtained from humans, domestic and wild animals, and water sources; it examines genotypes, host and geographical distribution, analyzes inter- and intragenotype group host specificity, and interprets the public health significance of genotype groups and major zoonotic genotypes, with the goal of improving our understanding of host specificity in E. bieneusi and its implications for interspecies and zoonotic transmission.
Topics: Animals; Enterocytozoon; Genotype; Host Specificity; Humans; Microsporidiosis; Public Health; Zoonoses
PubMed: 31076351
DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2019.04.004 -
The Malaysian Journal of Pathology Apr 2021Disseminated microsporidiosis is a life-threatening disease resulting from the haematogenous spread of microsporidia species. The diagnosis is challenging owing to its... (Review)
Review
Disseminated microsporidiosis is a life-threatening disease resulting from the haematogenous spread of microsporidia species. The diagnosis is challenging owing to its subtle nonspecific clinical presentation, which usually reflects the underlying organ involved. Therefore, a high index of suspicion is required for early diagnosis. Besides, tools for confirmatory laboratory diagnosis are limited. Currently, there is no direct diagnostic method that can detect the infection without involving invasive procedures. Clinical confirmation of disseminated microsporidiosis is usually based on light and transmission electron microscopy of infected tissue specimens. These are then followed by species detection using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Disseminated microsporidiosis shows the potential to be cleared up by albendazole or fumagillin if they are detected and treated early. Based on a series of case reports, this review aims to present a current update on disseminated microsporidiosis with emphasis on the clinical manifestations based on the organ system infected, diagnostic approach and treatment of this devastating condition.
Topics: Humans; Microsporidia; Microsporidiosis; Polymerase Chain Reaction
PubMed: 33903300
DOI: No ID Found -
Medecine Et Maladies Infectieuses Aug 2020Gastrointestinal disorders in solid organ recipients may have various origins including cryptosporidiosis and microsporidiosis. The prevalence of these infections is...
INTRODUCTION
Gastrointestinal disorders in solid organ recipients may have various origins including cryptosporidiosis and microsporidiosis. The prevalence of these infections is poorly known in solid organ transplant (SOT) patients in industrialized countries.
METHODS
We prospectively assessed the infectious causes of diarrhea in SOT patients. Secondary objectives were to gain further insight into the main characteristics of cryptosporidiosis, and to assess risk factors for this infection. All adult kidney and/or pancreas recipients presenting with diarrhea and admitted to our facility between May 1, 2014 and June 30, 2015 were enrolled. A stool sample was analyzed using a standardized protocol including bacteriological, virological, and parasitological investigations. Data related to clinical symptoms, immunosuppression, and environmental potential risk factors were collected through a self-administered questionnaire and computerized medical records.
RESULTS
Out of 73 enrolled patients, 36 had infectious diarrhea (49.3%). Viruses ranked first (17/36), followed by parasites and fungi (11/17). Cryptosporidiosis was the most common parasitic disease (n=6 patients). We observed four microsporidiosis cases. The estimated prevalence of cryptosporidiosis and microsporidiosis in this cohort was 3.7 and 2.4/, respectively No significant risk factor for cryptosporidiosis or microsporidiosis, neither environmental nor immunological, could be evidenced.
CONCLUSION
Both cryptosporidiosis and microsporidiosis represent a significant cause of diarrhea in kidney transplant recipients.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Cohort Studies; Cryptosporidiosis; Diarrhea; Female; France; Humans; Immunocompromised Host; Immunosuppressive Agents; Kidney Transplantation; Male; Microsporidiosis; Middle Aged; Organ Transplantation; Pancreas Transplantation; Transplant Recipients
PubMed: 31472993
DOI: 10.1016/j.medmal.2019.07.010 -
Cornea Nov 2023The aim of this study was to describe the clinical features and management of uveitis associated with microsporidial keratoconjunctivitis (MKC).
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to describe the clinical features and management of uveitis associated with microsporidial keratoconjunctivitis (MKC).
METHODS
The medical records of clinically diagnosed or microbiologically proven patients with MKC between July 2016 and August 2021 were reviewed. Patients with documented evidence of keratic precipitates (KPs) or anterior chamber cells were analyzed for their demography, clinical features, and treatment. Patients with microsporidial stromal keratitis and herpes simplex virus keratouveitis were excluded from the study.
RESULTS
Of the 2212 patients reviewed within the study period 171 of 172 eyes (7.7%) had documented evidence of KPs and/or anterior chamber cells. The patients' mean age was 43.8 ± 13.8 years, and there were more men (n = 120). The mean duration of appearance of KPs was 6.9 ± 5.5 days, and 28% (n = 48 of 171) appeared on the day of presentation. Superficial punctate keratitis was central and diffuse in 48 and 49 patients, respectively. The treatment was either lubricant alone (45.3%; 78 eyes) or combined with topical steroids (54.7%; 94 eyes). The mean duration of the resolution was longer in the "corticosteroid" than "no corticosteroid" group: KPs: 15.3 ± 6.5 days versus 12.3 ± 5.8 days ( P = 0.007) and superficial punctate keratitises: 15.4 ± 9.4 days versus 11.7 ± 6.2 days ( P = 0.01). The presenting visual acuity with a pinhole was 0.26 ± 0.26 (logMAR) and it improved to 0.03 ± 0.07 on resolution ( P < 0.0001, paired t test).
CONCLUSIONS
Uveitis after MKC is a self-limiting entity that often resolves without corticosteroid. One must exercise caution in using steroids in the presence of active corneal lesions.
Topics: Male; Humans; Adult; Middle Aged; Microsporidia; Microsporidiosis; Eye Infections, Fungal; Keratoconjunctivitis; Keratitis, Herpetic; Uveitis, Anterior; Uveitis; Steroids
PubMed: 36727968
DOI: 10.1097/ICO.0000000000003230 -
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection... 2022Emerging infectious disease has become the center of attention since the outbreak of COVID-19. For the coronavirus, bats are suspected to be the origin of the pandemic.... (Review)
Review
Emerging infectious disease has become the center of attention since the outbreak of COVID-19. For the coronavirus, bats are suspected to be the origin of the pandemic. Consequently, the spotlight has fallen on zoonotic diseases, and the focus now expands to organisms other than viruses. Microsporidia is a single-cell organism that can infect a wide range of hosts such as insects, mammals, and humans. Its pathogenicity differs among species, and host immunological status plays an important role in infectivity and disease severity. Disseminated disease from microsporidiosis can be fatal, especially among patients with a defective immune system. Recently, there were two , a microsporidia species which can survive in insects, case reports in Thailand, one patient had disseminated microsporidiosis. This review gathered data of disseminated microsporidiosis and infections in humans covering the biological and clinical aspects. There was a total of 22 cases of disseminated microsporidiosis reports worldwide. Ten microsporidia species were identified. Maximum likelihood tree results showed some possible correlations with zoonotic transmissions. For hominis, there are currently eight case reports in humans, seven of which had Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection. It is observed that risks are higher for the immunocompromised to acquire such infections, however, future studies should look into the entire life cycle, to identify the route of transmission and establish preventive measures, especially among the high-risk groups.
Topics: Animals; COVID-19; Humans; Immunocompromised Host; Mammals; Microsporidia; Microsporidiosis; Zoonoses
PubMed: 35782144
DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.924007 -
Acta Tropica Jul 2018Enterocytozoon bieneusi has been considered as the most frequently diagnosed microsporidian species in humans and various animal species, accounting for more than 90% of... (Review)
Review
Enterocytozoon bieneusi has been considered as the most frequently diagnosed microsporidian species in humans and various animal species, accounting for more than 90% of the cases of human microsporidiosis. Spores of this pathogen excreted from both symptomatic and asymptomatic hosts into environment also would be an important source of waterborne outbreak of microsporidiosis. Due to limited effective drugs available but with too much side effects to mammals (eg. toxic), accurate characterization of E. bieneusi in both humans and animals is essential to implement effective control strategies to this pathogen. In China, E. bieneusi infection was presented in humans and some animals with high prevalence. Analysis of genetic variations of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences found 361 genotypes in China, and some novel genotypes were identified in some specific hosts. Additionally, associations between infections and some risk factors were also observed. In the present article, we reviewed the current status of prevalence, genotypes, multilocus genotypes (MLGs) in humans, various animals and waters in China. These findings will provide basic information for developing effective control strategies against E. bieneusi infection in China as well as other countries.
Topics: Animals; China; DNA, Fungal; DNA, Ribosomal Spacer; Enterocytozoon; Genetic Variation; Genotype; Humans; Microsporidiosis; Multilocus Sequence Typing; Phylogeny; Prevalence
PubMed: 29660311
DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2018.04.017