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FEMS Microbiology Ecology May 2024Complex cross-talk occurs between gastrointestinal nematodes and gut symbiotic microbiota, with consequences for animal metabolism. To investigate the connection between...
Complex cross-talk occurs between gastrointestinal nematodes and gut symbiotic microbiota, with consequences for animal metabolism. To investigate the connection between methane production and endoparasites, this study evaluated the effect of mixed infection with Haemonchus contortus and Trichostrongylus colubriformis on methanogenic and methanotrophic community in rumen microbiota of lambs using shotgun metagenomic and real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR). The rumen content was collected from six Santa Inês lambs, (7 months old) before and after 42 days infection by esophageal tube. The metagenomic analysis showed that the infection affected the microbial community structure leading to decreased abundance of methanotrophs bacteria, i.e. α-proteobacteria and β-proteobacteria, anaerobic methanotrophic archaea (ANME), protozoa, sulfate-reducing bacteria, syntrophic bacteria with methanogens, geobacter, and genes related to pyruvate, fatty acid, nitrogen, and sulfur metabolisms, ribulose monophosphate cycle, and Entner-Doudoroff Pathway. Additionally, the abundance of methanogenic archaea and the mcrA gene did not change. The co-occurrence networks enabled us to identify the interactions between each taxon in microbial communities and to determine the reshaping of rumen microbiome associations by gastrointestinal nematode infection. Besides, the correlation between ANMEs was lower in the animal's postinfection. Our findings suggest that gastrointestinal parasites potentially lead to decreased methanotrophic metabolism-related microorganisms and genes.
Topics: Animals; Rumen; Sheep; Methane; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Sheep Diseases; Bacteria; Archaea; Haemonchus; Trichostrongylus; Microbiota; Nematode Infections
PubMed: 38821514
DOI: 10.1093/femsec/fiae083 -
PLoS Pathogens May 2024The common liver fluke (Fasciola hepatica) causes the disease fasciolosis, which results in considerable losses within the global agri-food industry. There is a...
The common liver fluke (Fasciola hepatica) causes the disease fasciolosis, which results in considerable losses within the global agri-food industry. There is a shortfall in the drugs that are effective against both the adult and juvenile life stages within the mammalian host, such that new drug targets are needed. Over the last decade the stem cells of parasitic flatworms have emerged as reservoirs of putative novel targets due to their role in development and homeostasis, including at host-parasite interfaces. Here, we investigate and characterise the proliferating cells that underpin development in F. hepatica. We provide evidence that these cells are capable of self-renewal, differentiation, and are sensitive to ionising radiation- all attributes of neoblasts in other flatworms. Changes in cell proliferation were also noted during the early stages of in vitro juvenile growth/development (around four to seven days post excystment), which coincided with a marked reduction in the nuclear area of proliferating cells. Furthermore, we generated transcriptomes from worms following irradiation-based ablation of neoblasts, identifying 124 significantly downregulated transcripts, including known stem cell markers such as fgfrA and plk1. Sixty-eight of these had homologues associated with neoblast-like cells in Schistosoma mansoni. Finally, RNA interference mediated knockdown of histone h2b (a marker of proliferating cells), ablated neoblast-like cells and impaired worm development in vitro. In summary, this work demonstrates that the proliferating cells of F. hepatica are equivalent to neoblasts of other flatworm species and demonstrate that they may serve as attractive targets for novel anthelmintics.
Topics: Animals; Fasciola hepatica; Stem Cells; Fascioliasis; Cell Proliferation; Cell Differentiation
PubMed: 38805551
DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011903 -
Parasites & Vectors Jul 2023The mechanisms underlying the clinical outcome disparity during human infection with Giardia duodenalis are still unclear. In recent years, evidence has pointed to the...
BACKGROUND
The mechanisms underlying the clinical outcome disparity during human infection with Giardia duodenalis are still unclear. In recent years, evidence has pointed to the roles of host factors as well as parasite's genetic heterogeneity as major contributing factors in the development of symptomatic human giardiasis. However, it remains contested as to how only a small fraction of individuals infected with G. duodenalis develop clinical gastrointestinal manifestations, whereas the majority of infected individuals remain asymptomatic. Here, we demonstrate that diversity in the fecal microbiome correlates with the clinical outcome of human giardiasis.
METHODS
The genetic heterogeneity of G. duodenalis clinical isolates from human subjects with asymptomatic and symptomatic giardiasis was determined using a multilocus analysis approach. We also assessed the genetic proximity of G. duodenalis isolates by constructing phylogenetic trees using the maximum likelihood. Total genomic DNA (gDNA) from fecal specimens was utilized to construct DNA libraries, followed by performing paired-end sequencing using the HiSeq X platform. The Kraken2-generated, filtered FASTQ files were assigned to microbial metabolic pathways and functions using HUMAnN 3.04 and the UniRef90 diamond annotated full reference database (version 201901b). Results from HUMAnN for each sample were evaluated for differences among the biological groups using the Kruskal-Wallis non-parametric test with a post hoc Dunn test.
RESULTS
We found that a total of 8/11 (72.73%) human subjects were infected with assemblage A (sub-assemblage AII) of G. duodenalis, whereas 3/11 (27.27%) human subjects in the current study were infected with assemblage B of the parasite. We also found that the parasite's genetic diversity was not associated with the clinical outcome of the infection. Further phylogenetic analysis based on the tpi and gdh loci indicated that those clinical isolates belonging to assemblage A of G. duodenalis subjects clustered compactly together in a monophyletic clade despite being isolated from human subjects with asymptomatic and symptomatic human giardiasis. Using a metagenomic shotgun sequencing approach, we observed that infected individuals with asymptomatic and symptomatic giardiasis represented distinctive microbial diversity profiles, and that both were distinguishable from the profiles of healthy volunteers.
CONCLUSIONS
These findings identify a potential association between host microbiome disparity with the development of clinical disease during human giardiasis, and may provide insights into the mechanisms by which the parasite induces pathological changes in the gut. These observations may also lead to the development of novel selective therapeutic targets for preventing human enteric microbial infections.
Topics: Humans; Giardia lamblia; Giardiasis; Phylogeny; Genotype; Microbiota; Feces; Multilocus Sequence Typing
PubMed: 37464386
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05821-1 -
MBio Aug 2023Maturation rates of malaria parasites within red blood cells (RBCs) can be influenced by host nutrient status and circadian rhythm; whether host inflammatory responses...
Maturation rates of malaria parasites within red blood cells (RBCs) can be influenced by host nutrient status and circadian rhythm; whether host inflammatory responses can also influence maturation remains less clear. Here, we observed that systemic host inflammation induced in mice by an innate immune stimulus, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), or by ongoing acute infection, slowed the progression of a single cohort of parasites from one generation of RBC to the next. Importantly, plasma from LPS-conditioned or acutely infected mice directly inhibited parasite maturation during in vitro culture, which was not rescued by supplementation, suggesting the emergence of inhibitory factors in plasma. Metabolomic assessments confirmed substantial alterations to the plasma of LPS-conditioned and acutely infected mice, and identified a small number of candidate inhibitory metabolites. Finally, we confirmed rapid parasite responses to systemic host inflammation using parasite scRNA-seq, noting broad impairment in transcriptional activity and translational capacity specifically in trophozoites but not rings or schizonts. Thus, we provide evidence that systemic host inflammation rapidly triggered transcriptional alterations in circulating blood-stage Plasmodium trophozoites and predict candidate inhibitory metabolites in the plasma that may impair parasite maturation . IMPORTANCE Malaria parasites cyclically invade, multiply, and burst out of red blood cells. We found that a strong inflammatory response can cause changes to the composition of host plasma, which directly slows down parasite maturation. Thus, our work highlights a new mechanism that limits malaria parasite growth in the bloodstream.
Topics: Mice; Animals; Parasites; Transcriptome; Lipopolysaccharides; Malaria; Inflammation; Erythrocytes
PubMed: 37449844
DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01129-23 -
Veterinary World Dec 2023Captive animals are susceptible to parasitic diseases due to the stress and confinement they experience. In addition, they can serve as reservoirs of zoonotic parasites...
BACKGROUND AND AIM
Captive animals are susceptible to parasitic diseases due to the stress and confinement they experience. In addition, they can serve as reservoirs of zoonotic parasites that have the potential to infect humans. To investigate this possibility, we estimated the prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) parasites in captive mammals at Khon Kaen Zoo, Thailand.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
One hundred and forty-seven individual mammals (37 primates, 43 carnivores, 62 herbivores, and 5 rodents) were examined for parasitic infections by fecal examination daily for 3 consecutive days using the formalin-ethyl acetate concentration technique (FECT) and the agar plate culture method.
RESULTS
According to FECT, the overall prevalence of GI parasites was 62.6% (92/147). Within animal groups, the numbers were as follows: 67.6% (25/37) in primates, 23.3% (10/43) in carnivores, 85.5% (53/62) in herbivores, and 80.0% (4/5) in rodents. Using the agar plate culture method, 21.43% (27/126) were positive for spp. and hookworm infections. The GI parasites identified belonged to three categories: protozoa (including species complex, , spp., coccidia, and ciliated protozoa), trematodes (minute intestinal flukes and rumen flukes), and nematodes (strongyle/hookworm, spp., Ascarididae, and spp.).
CONCLUSION
The findings of this study indicate the prevalence of several GI parasites in zoo animals with the potential for transmission to humans, given the animals' close proximity to both visitors and animal caretakers.
PubMed: 38328364
DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2023.2416-2424 -
Trends in Parasitology Jan 2024Cerebral malaria (CM) is a severe neurological complication caused by Plasmodium falciparum parasites; it is characterized by the sequestration of infected red blood... (Review)
Review
Cerebral malaria (CM) is a severe neurological complication caused by Plasmodium falciparum parasites; it is characterized by the sequestration of infected red blood cells within the cerebral microvasculature. New findings, combined with a better understanding of the central nervous system (CNS) barriers, have provided greater insight into the players and events involved in CM, including site-specific T cell responses in the human brain. Here, we review the updated roles of innate and adaptive immune responses in CM, with a focus on the role of the perivascular macrophage-endothelium unit in antigen presentation, in the vascular and perivascular compartments. We suggest that these events may be pivotal in the development of CM.
Topics: Humans; Malaria, Cerebral; Brain; Plasmodium falciparum; Host-Parasite Interactions; Erythrocytes
PubMed: 38065791
DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2023.11.005 -
Archives of Razi Institute Aug 2023Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a vector-borne disease widely distributed in tropical and subtropical areas of North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa....
Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a vector-borne disease widely distributed in tropical and subtropical areas of North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Considering the increasing number of CL cases in recent years and the fact that no study has been conducted to identify CL fauna and vectors in Alborz province, this study was carried out to identify sand flies and CL vectors in this region. Sand flies were collected from August to October 2021 from plain and mountainous indoor and outdoor areas of the region using sticky paper traps and were detected morphologically. DNA was extracted from the midguts of female sand flies. In this study, 1157 sand flies were collected and identified. The number of sand flies caught from indoor and outdoor places was 367 (31.72%) and 790 (68.28%), respectively. Overall, six species of flies were of the genus (Raynal, 1937), including (, 695 [60.07%]; Scopoli, 1786), (13 [1.12%]; Shchurenkova, 1926), (232 [20.05%]; Parrot, 1917), (14 [1.21%]; Annandale, 1910), (4 [0.35%]; Marzinowsky, 1917), (18 [1.56%]; Alexandri Sinton, 1920), and four were of the genus (Artemiev, 1978), including (109 [9.42%]; Adler, Theodor & Lourie, 1930), (53 [4.58%]), (14 [1.21%]; Sintoni Pringle, 1933), (5 [0.43%]). spp. were dominant in indoor and outdoor places, with a prevalence of 695 (60.07%). The () gene was identified in five samples of spp. This suggests that is the potential vector spp. in the study area. Moreover, was confirmed as the aetiological agent of CL cases in Alborz province. The identification of vectors and parasite spp. is very important for the treatment and operational planning of disease vectors.
Topics: Female; Animals; Iran; Insect Vectors; Phlebotomus; Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous; Psychodidae; Leishmania major
PubMed: 38226373
DOI: 10.32592/ARI.2023.78.4.1277 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jun 2024Unlike sedentary plant-parasitic nematodes, migratory plant endoparasitic nematodes (MPENs) are unable to establish permanent feeding sites, and all developmental stages... (Review)
Review
Unlike sedentary plant-parasitic nematodes, migratory plant endoparasitic nematodes (MPENs) are unable to establish permanent feeding sites, and all developmental stages (except eggs) can invade and feed on plant tissues and can be easily overlooked because of the unspecific symptoms. They cause numerous economic losses in agriculture, forestry, and horticulture. In order to understand the pathogenetic mechanism of MPENs, here we describe research on functions and host targets focused on currently identified effectors from six MPENs, namely , spp., , , , and . This information will provide valuable insights into understanding MPEN effectors and for future fostering advancements in plant protection.
Topics: Animals; Plant Diseases; Host-Parasite Interactions; Plants; Nematoda; Helminth Proteins
PubMed: 38928141
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126435 -
Scientific Reports Aug 2023Root lesion nematodes (RLN) of the genus Pratylenchus are causing significant damage in cereal production worldwide. Due to climate change and without efficient and...
Root lesion nematodes (RLN) of the genus Pratylenchus are causing significant damage in cereal production worldwide. Due to climate change and without efficient and environment-friendly treatments, the damages through RLNs are predicted to increase. Microscopic assessments of RLNs in the field and the greenhouses are time-consuming and laborious. As a result, cereal breeders have mostly ignored this pest. We present a method measuring RLN in infected cereal roots using a standardized PCR approach. Publicly available Pratylenchus neglectus primer combinations were evaluated. An optimal primer combination for RT-qPCR assay was identified to detect and quantify P. neglectus within infected cereal roots. Using the RT-qPCR detection assay, P. neglectus could be clearly distinguished from other plant parasitic nematodes. We could identify P. neglectus DNA in barley and wheat roots as low as 0.863 and 0.916 ng/µl of total DNA, respectively. A single P. neglectus individual was detected in water suspension and within barley and wheat roots. The RT-qPCR detection assay provides a robust and accurate alternative to microscopic nematode identification and quantification. It could be of interest for resistance breeding, where large populations must be screened to detect and quantify P. neglectus in farmer's fields.
Topics: Animals; Edible Grain; Plant Diseases; Plant Roots; Plant Breeding; DNA; Tylenchoidea; Triticum; Hordeum; Nematode Infections
PubMed: 37537261
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39559-8 -
European Journal of Protistology Apr 2024The zoonotic potential of the protist parasites Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis in amphibians and reptiles raises public health concerns due to their growing... (Review)
Review
The zoonotic potential of the protist parasites Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis in amphibians and reptiles raises public health concerns due to their growing popularity as pets. This review examines the prevalence and diversity of these parasites in wild and captive amphibians and reptiles to better understand the zoonotic risk. Research on Giardia in both groups is limited, and zoonotic forms of Cryptosporidium or Giardia have not been reported in amphibians. Host-adapted Cryptosporidium species dominate in reptiles, albeit some reptiles have been found to carry zoonotic (C. hominis and C. parvum) and rodent-associated (C. tyzzeri, C. muris and C. andersoni) species, primarily through mechanical carriage. Similarly, the limited reports of Giardia duodenalis (assemblages A, B and E) in reptiles may also be due to mechanical carriage. Thus, the available evidence indicates minimal zoonotic risk associated with these organisms in wild and captive frogs and reptiles. The exact transmission routes for these infections within reptile populations remain poorly understood, particularly regarding the importance of mechanical carriage. Although the risk appears minimal, continued research and surveillance efforts are necessary to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the transmission dynamics and ultimately improve our ability to safeguard human and animal health.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Giardiasis; Cryptosporidiosis; Cryptosporidium; Zoonoses; Giardia lamblia; Anura; Reptiles; Prevalence; Feces
PubMed: 38442435
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejop.2024.126066