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International Journal of Environmental... May 2024This study aimed to assess the global status and genetic diversity of Microsporidia infection in different birds. An online search was conducted in international... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
This study aimed to assess the global status and genetic diversity of Microsporidia infection in different birds. An online search was conducted in international databases from 1 January 1990 to 30 June 2022. A total of 34 articles (including 37 datasets) were included for the final meta-analysis. The pooled global prevalence of Microsporidia infection in birds was 14.6% (95% CI: 11.6-18.1). The highest prevalence of Microsporidia was found in wild waterfowl which was 54.5% (28.1-78.6). In terms of detection methods, the pooled prevalence was estimated to be 21.2% (95% CI: 12.1-34.4) and 13.4% (95% CI: 10.3-17.3) for using microscopic and molecular detection methods, respectively. was the most common pathogen (24/31; 77.42% of the studies) according to PCR-based methods, and genotype D was the highest reported genotype (nine studies). In conclusion, designing strategies for the control and prevention of Microsporidia infection in birds should be recommended.
Topics: Animals; Birds; Enterocytozoon; Feces; Genotype; Microsporidia; Microsporidiosis; Phylogeny; Prevalence
PubMed: 37266992
DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2023.2219988 -
Acta Tropica Apr 2024Enterocytozoon bieneusi is one of the 17 microsporidian species pathogenic to humans in low and high-income countries, inducing both symptomatic and asymptomatic...
Enterocytozoon bieneusi is one of the 17 microsporidian species pathogenic to humans in low and high-income countries, inducing both symptomatic and asymptomatic intestinal infections, independently of the immunological condition of the infected individual. Faecal-oral transmission occurs in a broad hosts range, including several animal species, but the parasite's zoonotic potential remains still unclear. Few studies are available in Italy regarding E. bieneusi presence in humans and no data on its genetic variability are so far reported. In this investigation, through the ITSr RNA sequences analysis, we provided the first E. bieneusi molecular characterization from symptomatic patients in Italy. Faecal samples from 410 patients sent for routine analyses to the Unit of Parasitology, Policlinico Tor Vergata, Rome, and resulted positive for E. bieneusi to a cartridge-based molecular test for qualitative detection (Novodiag® Stool Parasites assay), were collected. DNA was extracted, endpoint PCR performed and then sequences obtained for 3/410 patients (0.7 %). Genotype A (N = 1), genotype C (N = 1) and genotype K (N = 1) were identified, all belonging to phylogenetic Group 1. One patient (identified as genotype A) showed positivity to the same genotype previously characterized after a two-month period. Additional investigations are required, within a One Health framework, to review the importance of a zoonotic potential linked to E. bieneusi in human populations, animals and environmental reservoirs worldwide.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Enterocytozoon; Phylogeny; Microsporidiosis; Prevalence; Genotype; Feces; Italy; China
PubMed: 38296015
DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107136 -
Life Science Alliance Apr 2024Microsporidia are difficult to be completely eliminated once infected, and the persistence disrupts host cell functions. Here in this study, we aimed to elucidate the...
Microsporidia are difficult to be completely eliminated once infected, and the persistence disrupts host cell functions. Here in this study, we aimed to elucidate the impairing effects and consequences of microsporidia on host DCs. , one of the most commonly diagnosed zoonotic microsporidia species, was applied. In vivo models demonstrated that -infected mice were more susceptible to further pathogenic challenges, and DCs were identified as the most affected groups of cells. In vitro assays revealed that infection impaired DCs' immune functions, reflected by down-regulated cytokine expressions, lower extent of maturation, phagocytosis ability, and antigen presentations. infection also detained DCs' potencies to prime and stimulate T cells; therefore, host immunities were disrupted. We found that Ser/Thr protein phosphatase PP1 directly interacts with host p38α (MAPK14) to manipulate the p38α(MAPK14)/NFAT5 axis of the MAPK pathway. Our study is the first to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of the impairing effects of microsporidia on host DCs' immune functions. The emergence of microsporidiosis may be of great threat to public health.
Topics: Animals; Mice; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 14; Antigen Presentation; Phagocytosis; Cytokines; Transcription Factors; Phosphoprotein Phosphatases
PubMed: 38199846
DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202302375 -
PLoS Pathogens Apr 2024The microsporidian Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP) is a fungi-related, spore-forming parasite. EHP infection causes growth retardation and size variation in shrimp,...
The microsporidian Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP) is a fungi-related, spore-forming parasite. EHP infection causes growth retardation and size variation in shrimp, resulting in severe economic losses. Studies on shrimp immune response have shown that several antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) were upregulated upon EHP infection. Among those highly upregulated AMPs is c-type lysozyme (LvLyz-c). However, the immune signaling pathway responsible for LvLyz-c production in shrimp as well as its function against the EHP infection are still poorly understood. Here, we characterized major shrimp immune signaling pathways and found that Toll and JAK/STAT pathways were up-regulated upon EHP infection. Knocking down of a Domeless (DOME) receptor in the JAK/STAT pathways resulted in a significant reduction of the LvLyz-c and the elevation of EHP copy number. We further elucidated the function of LvLyz-c by heterologously expressing a recombinant LvLyz-c (rLvLyz-c) in an Escherichia coli. rLvLyz-c exhibited antibacterial activity against several bacteria such as Bacillus subtilis and Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Interestingly, we found an antifungal activity of rLvLyz-c against Candida albican, which led us to further investigate the effects of rLvLyz-c on EHP spores. Incubation of the EHP spores with rLvLyz-c followed by a chitin staining showed that the signals were dramatically decreased in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting that rLvLyz-c possibly digest a chitin coat on the EHP spores. Transmission electron microscopy analysis revealed that an endospore layer, which is composed mainly of chitin, was digested by rLvLyz-c. Lastly, we observed that EHP spores that were treated with rLvLyz-c showed a significant reduction of the spore germination rate. We hypothesize that thinning of the endospore of EHP would result in altered permeability, hence affecting spore germination. This work provides insights into shrimp immune signaling pathways responsible for LvLyz-c production and its anti-EHP property. This knowledge will serve as important foundations for developing EHP control strategies.
Topics: Animals; Penaeidae; Signal Transduction; Muramidase; Enterocytozoon; Microsporidiosis
PubMed: 38683868
DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1012199 -
Preventive Veterinary Medicine Apr 2024Enterocytozoon bieneusi (E. bieneusi), which is one of the most common microsporidia, has been identified as an important obligate intracellular pathogen that commonly... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Enterocytozoon bieneusi (E. bieneusi), which is one of the most common microsporidia, has been identified as an important obligate intracellular pathogen that commonly colonizes in a variety of animal species and humans worldwide, including humans. In this study, the statistical analyses of E. bieneusi infection and prevalence were performed to clarify the relationship between different genotypes in different countries. The databases Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP Chinese Journal Database, Wanfang Data, PubMed, Web of Science and ScienceDirect were used for data collection. The research data were subjected to subgroup, univariate regression, and correlation, to reveal factors related to the high prevalence of E. bieneusi. A total of, 34 of the 498 articles published before April 2022 met the inclusion criteria. The global prevalence of E. bieneusi in pigs was 37.69% (5175/12672). The prevalence of E. bieneusi in nursery pigs was 58.87% (588/946). In developing countries and Asia, the highest prevalence of E. bieneusi in pigs were 37.62% (4752/11645) and 40.14% (4715/11345), respectively. Moreover, humans and pigs have been found to be infected with the same genotype of E. bieneusi in some cases, as evidenced by the consolidation of genotype information. The results showed that pigs are susceptible to E. bieneusi during the nursery period. The prevalence of E. bieneusi is high in developing countries, and its genotype prevalence varies in each country. Thus, it is essential to strengthen the health inspection of vulnerable groups and customs quarantine inspection.
Topics: Animals; China; Enterocytozoon; Feces; Genotype; Microsporidiosis; Phylogeny; Prevalence; Risk Factors; Swine
PubMed: 38422983
DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2024.106159 -
Life (Basel, Switzerland) Mar 2024(1) Background: Microsporidiosis (nosemosis) is an intestinal disorder of adult honey bees caused by the microsporidian pathogens and In Canada, fumagillin is an...
(1) Background: Microsporidiosis (nosemosis) is an intestinal disorder of adult honey bees caused by the microsporidian pathogens and In Canada, fumagillin is an approved antibiotic used to treat this disease. However, the recommended dosage is based on efficacy studies for , the native pathogen in European honey bees. Since the detection of in , became more prevalent in managed European honey bees and seems to have replaced due to yet unknown reasons. (2) Methods: This colony study investigated the efficacy of fumagillin administered in the fall to colonies infected with both and and its effects on the species' prevalence overwinter. Spore loads in control and fumagillin-treated colonies were analysed by microscopy; species prevalence was determined molecularly and infection and treatment effects on colony productivity were assessed. (3) Results: Fall fumagillin treatment was associated with a temporary reduction in spore load, but there was no difference in spore loads between treated and control colonies the following spring. Interestingly, fumagillin-treated colonies had a significantly greater prevalence of relative to the following spring, suggesting fumagillin is less effective in controlling .
PubMed: 38541698
DOI: 10.3390/life14030373 -
Emerging Infectious Diseases Mar 2024Total joint arthroplasty is a commonly used surgical procedure in orthopedics. Revision surgeries are required in >10% of patients mainly because of prosthetic joint...
Total joint arthroplasty is a commonly used surgical procedure in orthopedics. Revision surgeries are required in >10% of patients mainly because of prosthetic joint infection caused by bacteria or aseptic implant loosening caused by chronic inflammation. Encephalitozoon cuniculi is a microsporidium, an obligate intracellular parasite, capable of exploiting migrating proinflammatory immune cells for dissemination within the host. We used molecular detection methods to evaluate the incidence of E. cuniculi among patients who had total hip or knee arthroplasty revision. Out of 49 patients, E. cuniculi genotypes I, II, or III were confirmed in joint samples from 3 men and 2 women who had implant loosening. Understanding the risks associated with the presence of microsporidia in periprosthetic joint infections is essential for proper management of arthroplasty. Furthermore, E. cuniculi should be considered a potential contributing cause of joint inflammation and arthrosis.
Topics: Male; Humans; Female; Microsporidia; Encephalitozoon cuniculi; Czech Republic; Encephalitozoonosis; Inflammation
PubMed: 38289719
DOI: 10.3201/eid3003.231263 -
Immunobiology Jul 2024Encephalitozoon cuniculi is an opportunistic intracellular pathogen that establishes a balanced relationship with immunocompetent individuals depending on the activity...
BACKGROUND
Encephalitozoon cuniculi is an opportunistic intracellular pathogen that establishes a balanced relationship with immunocompetent individuals depending on the activity of their CD8 T cells lymphocytes. However, lower resistance to experimental infection with E. cuniculi was found in B-1 deficient mice (Xid), besides increased the number of CD8 T lymphocytes. Here, we evaluated the profile of CD8 T lymphocytes from Balb/c wild-type (WT) or Balb/c Xid mice (with B-1 cell deficiency) on the microbicidal activity of macrophages challenged with E. cuniculi.
METHODS
Naïve CD8 T lymphocytes from WT or Xid mice uninfected and primed CD8 T lymphocytes from WT or Xid mice infected with E cuniculi were co-cultured with macrophages previously challenged with E. cuniculi. We evaluated macrophages viability and microbicidal activity, and CD8 T lymphocytes viability and presence of activating molecules (CD62L, CD69, and CD107a).
RESULTS
Macrophages co-cultured with naïve CD8 T lymphocytes from WT demonstrated high microbicidal activity. Naïve CD8 T lymphocytes obtained from WT mice had a higher expression of CD69 and LAMP-1-activating molecules compared to Xid CD8 T lymphocytes. Primed CD8 T lymphocytes from Xid mice proliferated more than those from WT mice, however, when the expression of the activating molecule CD69 associated with the expression of CD62L was kept low. In conclusion, naïve CD8 T lymphocytes from Xid mice, deficient in B-1 cells, they had reduced expression of activation molecules and cytotoxic activity.
Topics: Animals; CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes; Mice; Macrophages; Encephalitozoon cuniculi; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Lymphocyte Activation; Encephalitozoonosis; B-Lymphocytes; Coculture Techniques
PubMed: 38878483
DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2024.152827 -
Journal of Microbiology and... May 2024The increasing economic losses associated with growth retardation caused by (EHP), a microsporidian parasite infecting penaeid shrimp, require effective monitoring. The...
The Use of the Internal Transcribed Spacer Region for Phylogenetic Analysis of the Microsporidian Parasite Infecting Whiteleg Shrimp () and for the Development of a Nested PCR as Its Diagnostic Tool.
The increasing economic losses associated with growth retardation caused by (EHP), a microsporidian parasite infecting penaeid shrimp, require effective monitoring. The internal transcribed spacer (ITS)-1 region, the non-coding region of ribosomal clusters between 18S and 5.8S rRNA genes, is widely used in phylogenetic studies due to its high variability. In this study, the ITS-1 region sequence (~600-bp) of EHP was first identified, and primers for a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay targeting that sequence were designed. A newly developed nested-PCR method successfully detected the EHP in various shrimp ( and ) and related samples, including water and feces collected from Indonesia, Thailand, South Korea, India, and Malaysia. The primers did not cross-react with other hosts and pathogens, and this PCR assay is more sensitive than existing PCR detection methods targeting the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) and spore wall protein (SWP) genes. Phylogenetic analysis based on the ITS-1 sequences indicated that the Indonesian strain was distinct (86.2% nucleotide sequence identity) from other strains collected from Thailand and South Korea, and also showed the internal diversity among Thailand ( = 7, divided into four branches) and South Korean ( = 5, divided into two branches) samples. The results revealed the ability of the ITS-1 region to determine the genetic diversity of EHP from different geographical origins.
Topics: Enterocytozoon; Penaeidae; Animals; Phylogeny; DNA, Ribosomal Spacer; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Microsporidiosis; DNA, Fungal; DNA Primers; Feces; Sequence Analysis, DNA; Thailand
PubMed: 38563108
DOI: 10.4014/jmb.2401.01010 -
BMC Microbiology Jun 2024Enterocytozoon bieneusi is the most common species found in humans. Although E. bieneusi has been investigated in humans, genotype profile of E. bieneusi is not known in...
BACKGROUND
Enterocytozoon bieneusi is the most common species found in humans. Although E. bieneusi has been investigated in humans, genotype profile of E. bieneusi is not known in Türkiye.
METHODS
In this study, we screened E. bieneusi in patients (n = 94) with different types of malignant solid tumors by Real Time PCR and then sequenced E. bieneusi positive samples. All cancer patients were undergoing chemotherapy and had diarrhea. Moreover, as control groups, we also screened E. bieneusi in patients with diarrhea (n = 50) and without diarrhea (n = 50).
RESULTS
Among all patients analyzed, 33 (17%) were found to be E. bieneusi-positive. As the patients were categorized, the molecular prevalence of E. bieneusi increased to 25.5% among cancer patients with diarrhea. However, the molecular prevalence of E. bieneusi was found to be lower in patients with presenting only diarrhea (8%) and patients without diarrhea (10%). The high molecular prevalence value detected among cancer patients with diarrhea was also statistically significant compared to other patient groups (P = 0.00112 and P = 0.0269). Among the 33 Real Time PCR positive samples, 10 of them were amplified by nested PCR and among these 10 samples, 6 of them were successfully genotyped. The phylogenetic tree showed the presence of D and Type IV which were also identified in stray cats living in İzmir in our previous study.
CONCLUSIONS
High molecular prevalence value indicates the importance of screening stool samples of cancer patients with diarrhea for E. bieneusi and genotyping results indicate that D and Type IV are circulating between humans and cats.
Topics: Humans; Enterocytozoon; Microsporidiosis; Neoplasms; Genotype; Male; Female; Diarrhea; Middle Aged; Prevalence; Adult; Aged; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; Young Adult; Phylogeny; Sequence Analysis, DNA; Antineoplastic Agents; DNA, Fungal; Aged, 80 and over; Feces
PubMed: 38926815
DOI: 10.1186/s12866-024-03369-3