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Medical Mycology Apr 2023Microsporidia are fungi-related eukaryotic intracellular parasites that opportunistically infect immunocompromised individuals such as those infected by the human...
Microsporidia are fungi-related eukaryotic intracellular parasites that opportunistically infect immunocompromised individuals such as those infected by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Among them, Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalitozoon spp. are the most clinically relevant species. We investigated the occurrence and genetic diversity of microsporidial and protist infections in mostly immunocompetent HIV-positive patients in Madrid, Spain. A structured questionnaire was used to retrieve data on factors potentially associated with an increased risk of infection, including sexual attitudes and sex-risk behaviour. Faecal samples (n = 96) from 81 HIV-positive patients were collected and analysed by molecular (PCR and Sanger sequencing) methods. Two microsporidial pathogens were detected: Ent. bieneusi (2.5%, 95% CI: 0.3-8.6) and Enc.intestinalis (4.9%, 95% CI: 1.4-12.2). The two Ent. bieneusi isolates were identified as zoonotic genotype A. Among protists, Entamoeba dispar was the species most prevalently found (33.3%, 95% CI: 23.2-44.7), followed by Blastocystis spp. (19.8%, 95% CI: 11.7-30.1), Giardia duodenalis (13.6%, 95% CI: 7.0-23.0), and Cryptosporidium spp. and Entamoeba histolytica (2.5%, 95% CI: 0.3-8.6 each). Cyclospora cayetanensis and Cystoisospora belli were not detected. Subtypes ST1 (70.6%, 12/17) and ST3 (29.4%, 5/17) were identified within Blastocystis sp., sub-assemblages AII and BIII (50%, 1/2 each) within G. duodenalis, and Cry. parvum and canine-adapted Cry. canis (50%, 1/2 each) within Cryptosporidium spp. Microsporidial and protist parasites were frequent in well-controlled, mostly immunocompetent HIV-positive patients and should be included in diagnostic algorithms when diarrhoea is present.
Topics: Animals; Dogs; Humans; Cryptosporidiosis; Cryptosporidium; Encephalitozoon; Enterocytozoon; Feces; Genotype; HIV Infections; Microsporidia; Prevalence; Spain; Protozoan Infections; Microsporidiosis
PubMed: 37024274
DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myad039 -
Medical Mycology Sep 2022Microsporidia comprises a diverse group of obligate, intracellular, and spore-forming parasites that infect a wide range of animals. Among them, Enterocytozoon bieneusi...
Microsporidia comprises a diverse group of obligate, intracellular, and spore-forming parasites that infect a wide range of animals. Among them, Enterocytozoon bieneusi is the most frequently reported species in humans and other mammals and birds. Data on the epidemiology of E. bieneusi in wildlife are limited. Hence, E. bieneusi was investigated in eight wild ungulate species present in Spain (genera Ammotragus, Capra, Capreolus, Cervus, Dama, Ovis, Rupicapra, and Sus) by molecular methods. Faecal samples were collected from free-ranging (n = 1058) and farmed (n = 324) wild ungulates from five Spanish bioregions. The parasite was detected only in red deer (10.4%, 68/653) and wild boar (0.8%, 3/359). Enterocytozoon bieneusi infections were more common in farmed (19.4%, 63/324) than in wild (1.5%, 5/329) red deer. A total of 11 genotypes were identified in red deer, eight known (BEB6, BEB17, EbCar2, HLJD-V, MWC_d1, S5, Type IV, and Wildboar3) and three novel (DeerSpEb1, DeerSpEb2, and DeerSpEb3) genotypes. Mixed genotype infections were detected in 15.9% of farmed red deer. Two genotypes were identified in wild boar, a known (Wildboar3) and a novel (WildboarSpEb1) genotypes. All genotypes identified belonged to E. bieneusi zoonotic Groups 1 and 2. This study provides the most comprehensive epidemiological study of E. bieneusi in Spanish ungulates to date, representing the first evidence of the parasite in wild red deer populations worldwide. Spanish wild boars and red deer are reservoir of zoonotic genotypes of E. bieneusi and might play an underestimated role in the transmission of this microsporidian species to humans and other animals.
Topics: Animals; Animals, Wild; China; Deer; Enterocytozoon; Feces; Genotype; Humans; Microsporidiosis; Phylogeny; Prevalence; Sheep; Sheep Diseases; Spain; Sus scrofa; Swine; Swine Diseases
PubMed: 36095135
DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myac070 -
Microorganisms Dec 2023The emergence of disease in shrimp has governed much concern in food safety and security among consumers with the recent reports on hepatopancreatic microsporidiosis... (Review)
Review
The emergence of disease in shrimp has governed much concern in food safety and security among consumers with the recent reports on hepatopancreatic microsporidiosis (HPM) caused by (EHP). The microsporidians present in shrimp remain a silent pathogen that prevents optimal shrimp growth. However, the biggest threat is in its food safety concerns, which is the primary focus in ensuring food biosecurity and biosafety. Hence, the objective of this review is to summarise the current knowledge of EHP and its infection in shrimp with food safety concerns. This paper provides an analysis of the diagnostic methods for detecting EHP infections in shrimp aquaculture. Interventions with current molecular biology and biotechnology would be the second approach to addressing EHP diseases. Finally, a systematic guideline for shrimp food safety using diagnostic and intervention is proposed. Thus, this review was aimed to shed light on effective methods for the diagnosis and prevention of EHP infection in shrimp. We also include information on molecular and genomics tools as well as innate immune biomolecules as future targets in the intervention strategies on the microsporidsosis life cycle in shrimp and its environment. Overall, this will result in reduced disease outbreaks in shrimp aquaculture, ensuring the shrimp food safety in the future.
PubMed: 38257848
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12010021 -
Parasitology Oct 2020Recent declines of wild pollinators and infections in honey, bumble and other bee species have raised concerns about pathogen spillover from managed honey and bumble...
Recent declines of wild pollinators and infections in honey, bumble and other bee species have raised concerns about pathogen spillover from managed honey and bumble bees to other pollinators. Parasites of honey and bumble bees include trypanosomatids and microsporidia that often exhibit low host specificity, suggesting potential for spillover to co-occurring bees via shared floral resources. However, experimental tests of trypanosomatid and microsporidial cross-infectivity outside of managed honey and bumble bees are scarce. To characterize potential cross-infectivity of honey and bumble bee-associated parasites, we inoculated three trypanosomatids and one microsporidian into five potential hosts - including four managed species - from the apid, halictid and megachilid bee families. We found evidence of cross-infection by the trypanosomatids Crithidia bombi and C. mellificae, with evidence for replication in 3/5 and 3/4 host species, respectively. These include the first reports of experimental C. bombi infection in Megachile rotundata and Osmia lignaria, and C. mellificae infection in O. lignaria and Halictus ligatus. Although inability to control amounts inoculated in O. lignaria and H. ligatus hindered estimates of parasite replication, our findings suggest a broad host range in these trypanosomatids, and underscore the need to quantify disease-mediated threats of managed social bees to sympatric pollinators.
Topics: Animals; Bees; Crithidia; Honey; Host Specificity; Host-Parasite Interactions; Microsporidiosis; Nosema; Pathology, Molecular; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; Trypanosomatina
PubMed: 32616082
DOI: 10.1017/S0031182020001018 -
Veterinary Medicine and Science May 2022Microsporidia are spore-forming intracellular pathogens with worldwide prevalence, causing emerging infections in humans and animals. Enterocytozoon bieneusi is a... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Microsporidia are spore-forming intracellular pathogens with worldwide prevalence, causing emerging infections in humans and animals. Enterocytozoon bieneusi is a zoonotic species of microsporidia and is responsible for more than 90% of cases of microsporidiosis in humans and animals. Pigs and wild boars are important animal reservoirs of microsporidia. Hence, we aimed to estimate the global prevalence of microsporidia and genetic diversity of E. bieneusi in pigs and wild boars through a set of systematic review and meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines.
METHODS
Four databases (Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar) were searched between January 1, 2000 and April 30, 2021. Regarding meta-analysis, the random-effect model was employed by forest plot with 95% confidence interval (CI).
RESULTS
After exclusion of irrelevant articles and duplication removal, 33 papers, including 34 datasets (30 datasets for domestic pigs and 4 for wild boars) finally meet the inclusion criteria to undergo meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence rates of microsporidia infection in domestic pigs and wild boars were 37.6% (95% CI: 30.8-44.9%) and 8.1% (95% CI: 2.1-26.8%), respectively. While, the pooled prevalence rates of E. bieneusi were 35% (95% CI: 28.4-42.2%) in domestic pigs and 10.1% (95% CI: 1.7-42.4%) in wild boars. The genotypes EbpA was the most reported genotype in domestic pigs and wild boars. Male animals had higher prevalence rates of microsporidia infection than females (27 vs. 17.4%, OR = 1.91; 95% CI, 0.77-4.71%).
CONCLUSION
This study indicates the important role of domestic pigs and wild boars as animal reservoir hosts of microsporidia. Thereby, strategies for control and prevention of these zoonotic pathogens should be designed in pigs and wild boars.
Topics: Animals; Enterocytozoon; Female; Male; Microsporidia; Microsporidiosis; Molecular Epidemiology; Sus scrofa; Swine; Swine Diseases
PubMed: 35113502
DOI: 10.1002/vms3.751 -
Preventive Veterinary Medicine Mar 2022Microsporidiosis, caused by the zoonotic eukaryote microsporidia spp. have serious health threat in high-risk groups, including immunocompromised individuals. Cattle... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Microsporidiosis, caused by the zoonotic eukaryote microsporidia spp. have serious health threat in high-risk groups, including immunocompromised individuals. Cattle plays a major role as reservoirs of microsporidia among the animals because of close-contact with humans. Hence, we aimed to evaluate the prevalence and genetic diversity of cattle microsporidiosis at a global scale through systematic review and meta-analysis approach. A comprehensive literature searches of published articles related to the molecular distribution of microsporidiosis in cattle was conducted between 1 January 1990 and 20 December 2020. The confidence intervals (95 %) and point estimates were calculated using the random-effects model. A total of 1809 was retrieved from the initial search, after exclusion of irrelevant articles 37 articles met inclusion criteria to be included for final analysis. The estimated pooled prevalence of cattle microsporidiosis was 14 % (CI: 11.5-17 %) worldwide. Accordingly, the calves had the highest prevalence 20 % (CI: 14.8-26.5 %). According to internal transcribed spacer (ITS) gene, Enterocytozoon bieneusi with genotypes BEB4 (22 studies), J (21 studies), and I (17 studies) were the highest reported genotypes. The present results highlight the role of cattle as reservoir hosts for human-infecting microsporidia. Strategies for control and prevention of these pathogens should be designed to mitigate the risk of cattle to human transmission.
Topics: Animals; Cattle; China; Enterocytozoon; Feces; Genotype; Microsporidiosis; Phylogeny; Prevalence
PubMed: 35066319
DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2022.105581 -
The Journal of Parasitology Aug 2020Cryptosporidium species and microsporidia, which can cause zoonotic intestinal infections in humans, have become an emerging public health concern. It seems that the...
Cryptosporidium species and microsporidia, which can cause zoonotic intestinal infections in humans, have become an emerging public health concern. It seems that the identification and genotyping of these parasites are necessary for the prevention, control, and establishment of appropriate treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the distribution and zoonotic transmission routes of Cryptosporidium species and microsporidia to humans referred to medical laboratories of Kurdistan Province, Iran. A total of 1,383 stool samples were collected and investigated. Cryptosporidium spp. and microsporidia were detected using microscopic methods (i.e., formol-ether concentration, Ziehl-Neelsen staining, and modified trichrome staining methods). DNA was extracted from positive samples, and specific fragments of the Cryptosporidium GP60 gene and microsporidia SSU rRNA gene were amplified. Furthermore, positive samples were sequenced for genotype identification and bioinformatics analysis. Based on the microscopic analysis of 1,383 stool samples, 5 (0.36%) and 6 (0.43%) samples were considered positive for Cryptosporidium oocysts and microsporidia spores, respectively. Molecular analysis of positive samples identified the isolates as Cryptosporidium parvum and Enterocytozoon bieneusi. According to comparative phylogenetics, cryptosporidiosis and microsporidiosis may occur via zoonotic transmission in this region. Therefore, proper control and health education are strongly recommended to prevent zoonotic diseases.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Algorithms; Animals; Child; Child, Preschool; Computational Biology; Cross-Sectional Studies; Cryptosporidiosis; Cryptosporidium; DNA, Protozoan; Feces; Female; Humans; Iran; Likelihood Functions; Male; Microsporidia; Microsporidiosis; Middle Aged; Phylogeny; RNA, Ribosomal, 18S; Risk Factors; Young Adult; Zoonoses
PubMed: 32640465
DOI: 10.1645/18-99 -
Transboundary and Emerging Diseases Jul 2022Enterocytozoon bieneusi is a widespread opportunistic pathogen found in humans and domestic animals, including cattle that poses a public health risk. This study was...
Enterocytozoon bieneusi is a widespread opportunistic pathogen found in humans and domestic animals, including cattle that poses a public health risk. This study was performed to evaluate the prevalence, genotypic diversity, and zoonotic potential of E. bieneusi among children and calves in Bangladesh. A total of 998 fecal samples were collected from children (n = 299) and calves (n = 699) and screened by nested PCR and sequencing of the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS). The overall prevalence of E. bieneusi infection was 6.4% in children and 7.9% in calves. ITS sequence analysis of 74 isolates revealed 10 genotypes, including eight known genotypes (A, D, Type IV, PigEBITS7, I, J, BEB4, and BEB6) and two new genotypes (BANEB1 and BANEB3). Specifically, genotypes A, D, Type IV, PigEBITS7, BANEB1, and BANEB3, and genotypes D, PigEBITS7, I, J, BEB4, and BEB6 were detected in children and calves, respectively. Among them, genotypes D and I were dominant genotypes in children and calves, respectively. The genotypes D and PigEBITS7 were found in both children and calves, with PigEBITS7 being observed for the first time in calves. In phylogenetic analysis, six genotypes (A, D, Type IV, PigEBITS7, BANEB1, and BANEB3), detected in 39.2% of the isolates, belonged to zoonotic Group 1. The remaining four genotypes I, J, BEB4, and BEB6 were clustered in Group 2 and are common members of the group with zoonotic potential. To the best of our knowledge, this study provides the first report of E. bieneusi infection in calves in Bangladesh and also the first molecular characterization of the parasite in children and calves in this country. Two new genotypes in children have been found, which is noteworthy. Furthermore, the presence of zoonotic genotypes indicates that cattle may serve as reservoirs for E. bieneusi, which can be a source of human microsporidiosis.
Topics: Animals; Bangladesh; Cattle; China; Enterocytozoon; Feces; Genotype; Humans; Microsporidiosis; Phylogeny; Prevalence; Zoonoses
PubMed: 34109760
DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14187 -
Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland) Mar 2023, , , and microsporidia are gastrointestinal pathogens that can cause various disease symptoms in both animals and humans. Numerous studies worldwide have confirmed the... (Review)
Review
, , , and microsporidia are gastrointestinal pathogens that can cause various disease symptoms in both animals and humans. Numerous studies worldwide have confirmed the presence of these eukaryotic pathogens in nesting and migrating wild geese, ducks, and swans. Migration spreads these zoonotic enteric pathogens to distant locations, which could have public health implications. Soils and water bodies (lakes, ponds, rivers and wetlands) in urban and suburban areas have been shown to be vulnerable to contamination by waterfowl droppings. This review addresses the epidemiology of these enteric pathogens in wild migratory bird species (Anatidae) and some consequences of their spread in the environment. To date, both zoonotic pathogens and genotypes restricted to avian hosts have been found in faecal samples from 21 anatid species worldwide. One of the routes of infection for these zoonotic gastrointestinal micropathogens is the indirect route. For example, shared water bodies (e.g., for drinking or recreational purposes) previously contaminated by birds during the migratory season may facilitate infections of humans through water. However, it is unclear how much wild waterfowl contribute to the transmission of giardiasis, cryptosporidiosis, cyclosporosis, and microsporidiosis in many regions through contaminated environmental sources. Comprehensive epidemiological surveillance based on molecular data on gastrointestinal pathogens is crucial to take measures to control infections in the future.
PubMed: 36986409
DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12030487 -
The Journal of Veterinary Medical... Jan 2022To investigate the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. and Enterocytozoon bieneusi from large-scale cattle farms in Anhui Province, 955 fecal samples were collected from...
To investigate the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. and Enterocytozoon bieneusi from large-scale cattle farms in Anhui Province, 955 fecal samples were collected from 16 cattle farms from March to October 2018, which included six dairy farms (526), seven yellow cattle farms (323), and three water buffalo farms (106) in different regions of Anhui Province. PCR was conducted on all fecal samples using the 18S ribosomal RNA of Cryptosporidium spp. and internal transcribed spacer gene of E. bieneusi to detect these two pathogens, and the positive samples were sequenced and analyzed. The results showed that 23 (2.4%) and 40 (4.2%) out of the 955 samples were positive for Cryptosporidium spp. and E. bieneusi, respectively. There were 11 (2.1%), 10 (3.1%), and 2 (1.9%) positive samples of Cryptosporidium spp. and 16 (3.0%), 23 (7.1%), and 1 (0.9%) positive samples of E. bieneusi collected from dairy cattle, yellow cattle, and water buffalo, respectively, and no co-infection was identified in this study. All positive samples of Cryptosporidium spp. were C. andersoni with some variations. Ten E. bieneusi genotypes were obtained, including two known genotypes, J and CHN11, and eight new genotypes, named AHDC1 and AHYC1-7. The genotype CHN11 belonged to zoonotic Group 1, and the other nine genotypes belonged to Group 2, which is mainly documented in ruminants. These results indicated that Cryptosporidium spp. and E. bieneusi infections were present in large-scale cattle farms in Anhui Province. Therefore, attention should be paid to the development of containment strategies of these two pathogens in cattle.
Topics: Animals; Cattle; Cattle Diseases; China; Cryptosporidiosis; Cryptosporidium; Enterocytozoon; Farms; Feces; Genotype; Microsporidiosis; Phylogeny; Prevalence
PubMed: 34866074
DOI: 10.1292/jvms.21-0425