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Infection, Genetics and Evolution :... Mar 2022Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Blastocystis sp. are common zoonotic pathogens that parasitize in the small intestine of humans and animals, posing a threat to public...
Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Blastocystis sp. are common zoonotic pathogens that parasitize in the small intestine of humans and animals, posing a threat to public health. However, little information is available on the prevalence and genotypes/subtypes of E. bieneusi and Blastocystis sp. in cattle in Jiangxi Province, southeastern China. In the present study, 556 fecal samples of cattle were collected from Nanchang city, Gao'an city, Xinyu city, and Ji'an city in Jiangxi Province. All samples were examined for the presence of E. bieneusi by nested PCR analysis of the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and Blastocystis sp. using PCR targeting the SSU rRNA gene. The overall prevalence of E. bieneusi and Blastocystis sp. was 5.4% (30/556) and 54.9% (305/556), respectively. The prevalence of E. bieneusi in dairy cattle, beef cattle, and buffaloes was 7.9% (13/165), 3.9% (11/283), and 5.6% (6/108), respectively. Eleven E. bieneusi genotypes were identified in this study, including six known genotypes, D (n = 10), I (n = 5), J (n = 4), IV (n = 4), N (n = 1), and BEB4 (n = 1), and five novel genotypes, JX-I to JX-V (n = 1), with genotype D as the predominant genotype in cattle. Phylogenetic analysis showed that six genotypes of E. bieneusi, D, IV, and JX-II to JX-V, were clustered into zoonotic group 1, whereas the remaining five genotypes belonged to group 2. Moreover, seven, seven, four, and five types were identified by multilocus sequence typing (MLST) at the MS1, MS3, MS4, and MS7 loci, respectively, forming three distinct multilocus genotypes (MLGs). In addition, the prevalence of Blastocystis sp. was 42.4% (70/165), 59.4% (168/283), and 62.0% (67/108) in dairy cattle, beef cattle, and buffaloes, respectively. Sequence analysis revealed that ST1, ST5, ST10, and ST14 of Blastocystis sp. were identified in these cattle, with ST10 being the major subtype. ST1 and ST5 are potential zoonotic subtypes. These findings have important implications for the control of E. bieneusi and Blastocystis sp. in cattle in Jiangxi Province.
Topics: Animals; Blastocystis; Blastocystis Infections; Cattle; Cattle Diseases; China; Enterocytozoon; Microsporidiosis
PubMed: 35066167
DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2022.105216 -
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases Dec 2023Microsporidia are fungal obligate intracellular pathogens, which infect most animals and cause microsporidiosis. Despite the serious threat that microsporidia pose to...
Microsporidia are fungal obligate intracellular pathogens, which infect most animals and cause microsporidiosis. Despite the serious threat that microsporidia pose to humans and agricultural animals, few drugs are available for the treatment and control of microsporidia. To identify novel inhibitors, we took advantage of the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans infected with its natural microsporidian Nematocida parisii. We used this system to screen the Pandemic Response Box, a collection of 400 diverse compounds with known antimicrobial activity. After testing these compounds in a 96-well format at high (100 μM) and low (40 μM) concentrations, we identified four inhibitors that restored the ability of C. elegans to produce progeny in the presence of N. parisii. All four compounds reduced the pathogen load of both N. parisii and Pancytospora epiphaga, a C. elegans-infecting microsporidia related to human-infecting species. One of these compounds, a known inhibitor of a viral protease, MMV1006203, inhibited invasion and prevented the firing of spores. A bis-indole derivative, MMV1593539, decreased spore viability. An albendazole analog, MMV1782387, inhibited proliferation of N. parisii. We tested albendazole as well as 5 other analogs and observed that MMV1782387 was amongst the strongest inhibitors of N. parisii and displayed the least host toxicity. Our study further demonstrates the effectiveness of the C. elegans-N. parisii system for discovering microsporidia inhibitors and the compounds we identified provide potential scaffolds for anti-microsporidia drug development.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Caenorhabditis elegans; Albendazole; Pandemics; Microsporidia; Microsporidiosis
PubMed: 38064503
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011806 -
Acta Parasitologica Mar 2022Microsporidiosis as a zoonotic disease has caused serious health problems in high-risk groups, including immunosuppressed individuals. Among the potential animal... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Microsporidiosis as a zoonotic disease has caused serious health problems in high-risk groups, including immunosuppressed individuals. Among the potential animal reservoirs of microsporidia, rodents play a key role due to close-contact with humans and their dispersion in different environments. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the global status and genetic diversity of microsporidia infection in different rodents.
METHODS
The standard protocol of preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched from 1 January 2000 to 15 April 2021. All peer-reviewed original research articles describing the molecular prevalence of microsporidia infection in rodents were included. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied. The point estimates and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using a random-effects model. The variance between studies (heterogeneity) were quantified by I index.
RESULTS
Of 1695 retrieved studies, 22 articles (including 34 datasets) were included for final meta-analysis. The pooled global molecular prevalence (95% CI) of microsporidia infection in rodents was 14.2% (95% CI 10.9-18.3%). The highest prevalence of microsporidia was found in Apodemus spp. 27.3% (95% CI 15-44.5%). Enterocytozoon bieneusi was the most common pathogen (26/34; 76.47% studies) according to PCR-based methods, and the genotype D as the highest reported genotype (15 studies).
CONCLUSIONS
The findings of the study showed a relatively high prevalence of microsporidia infection in rodents as a potential animal reservoir for infecting human. Given the relatively high incidence of microsporidiosis, designing strategies for control, and prevention of microsporidia infection in rodents should be recommended.
Topics: Animals; Enterocytozoon; Feces; Genotype; Microsporidia; Microsporidiosis; Molecular Epidemiology; Prevalence; Public Health; Rodentia
PubMed: 34176043
DOI: 10.1007/s11686-021-00447-8 -
Frontiers in Microbiology 2023is a diverse genus of unicellular microsporidian parasites of insects and other arthropods. infects parasitoid wasp species of and (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae),...
INTRODUCTION
is a diverse genus of unicellular microsporidian parasites of insects and other arthropods. infects parasitoid wasp species of and (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae), causing ~50% reduction in longevity and ~90% reduction in fecundity.
METHODS AND RESULTS
Here, we report the first assembly of the genome (14,397,169 bp in 28 contigs) of high continuity (contig N50 544.3 Kb) and completeness (BUSCO score 97.0%). A total of 2,782 protein-coding genes were annotated, with 66.2% of the genes having two copies and 24.0% of genes having three copies. These duplicated genes are highly similar, with a sequence identity of 99.3%. The complex pattern suggests extensive gene duplications and rearrangements across the genome. We annotated 57 rDNA loci, which are highly GC-rich (37%) in a GC-poor genome (25% genome average). -specific qPCR primer sets were designed based on 18S rDNA annotation as a diagnostic tool to determine its titer in host samples. We discovered high titers in -cured and using heat treatment in 2017 and 2019, suggesting that the remedy did not completely eliminate the infection. Cytogenetic analyses revealed heavy infections of within the ovaries of and , consistent with the titer determined by qPCR and suggesting a heritable component of infection and per ovum vertical transmission.
DISCUSSION
The parasitoids- system is laboratory tractable and, therefore, can serve as a model to inform future genome manipulations of -host system for investigations of Nosemosis.
PubMed: 37125197
DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1152586 -
BMC Infectious Diseases Jan 2022Intestinal microsporidiosis is an opportunistic infection associated with persistent diarrhea among HIV/AIDS patients. In Yemen, however, its epidemiology is unknown....
BACKGROUND
Intestinal microsporidiosis is an opportunistic infection associated with persistent diarrhea among HIV/AIDS patients. In Yemen, however, its epidemiology is unknown. Therefore, this study determined its prevalence and predictors among HIV/AIDS patients receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Sana'a city, the capital of Yemen.
METHODS
This cross-sectional study included 402 patients receiving ART at Al-Jomhori Educational Hospital in Sana'a from November 2019 to December 2020. Data about demographics, clinical characteristics and risk factors were collected using a pre-designed questionnaire. Stool samples were collected and examined for microsporidian spores using the Gram-chromotrope Kinyoun staining. Blood samples were also collected and used for CD4 cell counting by flow cytometry. Univariate analysis was used to test the association of patients' characteristics and risk factors with intestinal microsporidiosis. Multivariable logistic regression was then used to identify the independent predictors of infection. Statistical significance was considered at P-values < 0.05.
RESULTS
Intestinal microsporidiosis was prevalent among 14.2% (57/402) of HIV/AIDS patients and was significantly associated with diarrhea (OR 3.4, 95% CI 1.7-6.6; P = 0.001). The significant independent predictors of infection were < 200 CD4 cells/µl (AOR 3.2, 95% CI 1.5-6.9; P = 0.003), not washing hands after contacting soil (AOR 2.5, 95% CI 1.1-5.4; P = 0.026) and before eating (AOR 3.1, 95% CI 1.5-6.4; P = 0.003), eating unwashed raw produce (AOR 2.5, 95% CI 1.2-5.3; P = 0.017) and absence of indoor latrines (AOR 6.2, 95% CI 1.5-25.9; P = 0.012).
CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of intestinal microsporidiosis among HIV/AIDS patients in Sana'a is high and comparable to that reported from several other countries, being prevalent among approximately 14.0% of patients and significantly associated with diarrhea. It could be predicted among patients who have < 200 CD4 cells/µl, have poor hand hygiene after contacting soil and before eating, usually eat unwashed raw produce, or do not possess indoor latrines. Large-scale studies on its epidemiology and predictors among HIV/AIDS patients across the country are warranted.
Topics: Cross-Sectional Studies; HIV Infections; Humans; Microsporidiosis; Prevalence; Yemen
PubMed: 34983416
DOI: 10.1186/s12879-021-07009-3 -
Indian Journal of Medical Microbiology 2020Microsporidium is a spore-forming intracellular parasite that affects a wide range of hosts including humans. The tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) plays a key role...
PURPOSE
Microsporidium is a spore-forming intracellular parasite that affects a wide range of hosts including humans. The tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) plays a key role in the immunity to infection with microsporidia. Recently, the TNF-α antagonists have proven successful in treating variable autoimmune diseases. In the current study, we aimed to investigate the impact of using TNF-α antagonists as a therapeutic regimen in the prevalence of infections with microsporidia.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Diarrheal patients with distinct autoimmune diseases (n = 100) were assigned to the study. Patients taking anti-TNF-α medications (n = 60) were allocated to Group 1A and those undergoing non-TNF-α inhibitor treatment (n = 40) to Group 1B. Furthermore, patients with diarrhea without autoimmune disorders (n = 20) were allocated as controls. Stool specimens, 3 per patient, were collected and microscopically examined for microsporidia spores. A microsporidia-specific stool polymerase chain reaction was used to confirm the microscopic findings.
RESULTS
Microsporidia infection was identified in 28.3% (17/60), 10% (4/40), and in 5% (1/20) of patients in Group 1A, Group 1B, and in the control group, respectively. Overall, infection was significantly high in cases compared to the controls and in patients receiving TNF-α antagonists compared to patients not given TNF-α inhibitors (P < 0.05). Finally, infection was significantly higher in cases treated with TNF-α antagonists for ≥2 months compared to cases treated for <2 months of duration (P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
There was a significant increase in microsporidia infection in autoimmune disease patients undergoing treatment with TNF-α antagonists, and the duration of treatment is one of the risk factors. The study highlights the importance of microsporidia testing in immunocompromised patients, particularly those undergoing treatment with anti-TNF-α drugs and emphasises the need for awareness among clinicians regarding this opportunistic parasite.
Topics: Autoimmune Diseases; Case-Control Studies; Diarrhea; Feces; Female; Humans; Male; Microsporidia; Microsporidiosis; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Prospective Studies; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
PubMed: 33154255
DOI: 10.4103/ijmm.IJMM_20_325 -
Parasite Immunology Jun 2021Microsporidia are a group of obligate, intracellular, spore-forming eukaryotic pathogens, which predominantly infects immunocompromised individuals worldwide.... (Review)
Review
Microsporidia are a group of obligate, intracellular, spore-forming eukaryotic pathogens, which predominantly infects immunocompromised individuals worldwide. Encephalitozoon spp. is one of the most prevalent microsporidia known to infect humans. Host immune system plays a major role in combating pathogens including Encephalitozoon spp. infecting humans. Both innate and adaptive arms of host immune system work together in combating Encephalitozoon infection. Researchers are conducting studies to elucidate the role of both arms of immune system against Encephalitozoon infection. In addition to cell-mediated adaptive immunity, role of innate immunity is also being highlighted in clearance of Encephalitozoon spp. from host body. Therefore, the current review will give a clear and consolidated update on the role of innate as well as adaptive immunity in protection against Encephalitozoon spp.
Topics: Encephalitozoon; Encephalitozoonosis; Humans; Immunity, Cellular; Immunity, Innate; Immunocompromised Host
PubMed: 33682117
DOI: 10.1111/pim.12828 -
Medical Mycology Feb 2023The phylum Microsporidia encompasses a diverse group of obligate, intracellular, and spore-forming organisms able to infect a wide range of animal hosts. Among them,...
The phylum Microsporidia encompasses a diverse group of obligate, intracellular, and spore-forming organisms able to infect a wide range of animal hosts. Among them, Enterocytozoon bieneusi is the most frequently reported species in humans and animals. Little is known about the presence and epidemiology of E. bieneusi in wildlife. We investigated E. bieneusi occurrence and genetic diversity in wild and domestic mammals, through molecular-detection methods, from different regions across Portugal. A total of 756 samples were collected from 288, 242, and 226 wild carnivores, wild ungulates, and domestic animals, respectively. Overall, eight specimens were E. bieneusi-positive (1.1%, 8/756) obtained from five wild (Iberian lynx, Iberian wolf, red fox, stone marten, and wild boar) and one domestic (sheep) host. Nucleotide sequence analysis identified four genotypes of E. bieneusi, Type IV, Wildboar3, BEB6, and PtEbIX. Three of those genotypes belong to Groups 1 (Type IV and Wildboar3) and 2 (BEB6), which are known to contain genotypes capable of infecting a variety of hosts, including humans, highlighting their public health importance. PtEbIX belongs to the dog-specific Group 11. This study represents the first, largest, and most comprehensive molecular-based epidemiology survey carried out in Portugal in wild and domestic animals to date and the first worldwide identification of E. bieneusi in wolf species. Our study showed that wild carnivores and ungulates may act as reservoirs of zoonotic genotypes of E. bieneusi, establishing their role in maintaining the sylvatic cycle of this parasite while representing a potential source of infection for humans and domestic animals.
Topics: Humans; Swine; Animals; Dogs; Sheep; Animals, Domestic; Enterocytozoon; Portugal; Microsporidiosis; Phylogeny; Sus scrofa; Genotype; China; Prevalence; Feces; Zoonoses; Dog Diseases; Sheep Diseases; Swine Diseases
PubMed: 36746434
DOI: 10.1093/mmy/myad018 -
Parasites & Vectors Apr 2021Microsporidia are obligate intracellular parasites that can infect nearly all invertebrates and vertebrates, posing a threat to public health and causing large economic... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The largest meta-analysis on the global prevalence of microsporidia in mammals, avian and water provides insights into the epidemic features of these ubiquitous pathogens.
BACKGROUND
Microsporidia are obligate intracellular parasites that can infect nearly all invertebrates and vertebrates, posing a threat to public health and causing large economic losses to animal industries such as those of honeybees, silkworms and shrimp. However, the global epidemiology of these pathogens is far from illuminated.
METHODS
Publications on microsporidian infections were obtained from PubMed, Science Direct and Web of Science and filtered according to the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. Infection data about pathogens, hosts, geography and sampling dates were manually retrieved from the publications and screened for high quality. Prevalence rates and risk factors for different pathogens and hosts were analyzed by conducting a meta-analysis. The geographic distribution and seasonal prevalence of microsporidian infections were drawn and summarized according to sampling locations and date, respectively.
RESULTS
Altogether, 287 out of 4129 publications up to 31 January 2020 were obtained and met the requirements, from which 385 epidemiological data records were retrieved and effective. The overall prevalence rates in humans, pigs, dogs, cats, cattle, sheep, nonhuman primates and fowl were 10.2% [2429/30,354; 95% confidence interval (CI) 9.2-11.2%], 39.3% (2709/5105; 95% CI 28.5-50.1%), 8.8% (228/2890; 95% CI 5.1-10.1%), 8.1% (112/1226; 95% CI 5.5-10.8%), 16.6% (2216/12,175; 95% CI 13.5-19.8%), 24.9% (1142/5967; 95% CI 18.6-31.1%), 18.5% (1388/7009; 95% CI 13.1-23.8%) and 7.8% (725/9243; 95% CI 6.4-9.2%), respectively. The higher prevalence in pigs suggests that routine detection of microsporidia in animals should be given more attention, considering their potential roles in zoonotic disease. The highest rate was detected in water, 58.5% (869/1351; 95% CI 41.6-75.5%), indicating that water is an important source of infections. Univariate regression analysis showed that CD4+ T cell counts and the living environment are significant risk factors for humans and nonhuman primates, respectively. Geographically, microsporidia have been widely found in 92 countries, among which Northern Europe and South Africa have the highest prevalence. In terms of seasonality, the most prevalent taxa, Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalitozoon, display different prevalence trends, but no significant difference between seasons was observed. In addition to having a high prevalence, microsporidia are extremely divergent because 728 genotypes have been identified in 7 species. Although less investigated, microsporidia coinfections are more common with human immunodeficiency virus and Cryptosporidium than with other pathogens.
CONCLUSIONS
This study provides the largest-scale meta-analysis to date on microsporidia prevalence in mammals, birds and water worldwide. The results suggest that microsporidia are highly divergent, widespread and prevalent in some animals and water and should be further investigated to better understand their epidemic features.
Topics: Animals; Birds; Genotype; Geography; Global Health; Humans; Mammals; Microsporidia; Microsporidiosis; Prevalence; Risk Factors; Water; Zoonoses
PubMed: 33794979
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04700-x -
The Veterinary Record Jun 2020
Topics: Animals; Encephalitozoon cuniculi; Encephalitozoonosis; Rabbits
PubMed: 32527906
DOI: 10.1136/vr.m2292