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Acta Parasitologica Mar 2024As a result of environmental imbalances of anthropogenic origin, the potential for transmission of parasites and viruses between different primates, including humans,... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
As a result of environmental imbalances of anthropogenic origin, the potential for transmission of parasites and viruses between different primates, including humans, might increase. Thus, parasitic studies have great relevance to primatology, which motivated us to conduct a literature review to synthesize the information available in American primates of the Callithrix genus.
METHODS
We carried out the bibliographic search on the main groups of parasites (protozoa, helminths, arthropods, ectoparasites) and viruses found in Callithrix in Brazil in search platforms and consider all manuscript that appeared in search engines, published between the years 1910 and December 2022. In each selected article, the following information was recorded: the host species; parasite taxa; scientific classification of the parasite; host habitat (free-living, captive); diagnostic technique; state; and bibliographic reference. Data were tabulated and arranged in a parasite-host table.
RESULTS
Some endemic genera, such as Callithrix, are widely distributed geographically across Brazil and have characteristics of adaptation to different habitats due to their flexibility in diet and behavior. These factors can make them subject to a greater diversity of parasites and viruses in the country. Here, we identified 68 parasitic taxa, belonging to the clades protozoa (n = 22), helminths (n = 34), ectoparasites (n = 7), and viruses (n = 5). Out of this total, 19 have zoonotic potential. Of the six existing marmoset species, Callithrix jacchus was the most frequent in studies, and Callithrix flaviceps did not have reports. All regions of the country had occurrences, mainly the Southeast, where 54% of the cases were reported. In 46% of the reported parasites and viruses, it was not possible to identify the corresponding species.
CONCLUSION
We conclude that in part of the works the identification methods are not being specific, which makes it difficult to identify the species that affects Callithrix spp. Furthermore, the studies present geographic disparities, being concentrated in the southeast of the country, making it impossible to have a more uniform analysis of the findings. Thus, it is observed that information about parasites and viruses is incipient in the genus Callithrix in Brazil.
Topics: Animals; Brazil; Callithrix; Parasites; Monkey Diseases; Viruses; Virus Diseases; Parasitic Diseases, Animal
PubMed: 38184509
DOI: 10.1007/s11686-023-00766-y -
Parasitology Research Mar 2022The use of fertilizers based on sewage sludge is common practice. Due to the possible presence of pathogens and eggs of intestinal parasites like Ascaris sp., Toxocara...
The use of fertilizers based on sewage sludge is common practice. Due to the possible presence of pathogens and eggs of intestinal parasites like Ascaris sp., Toxocara sp., and Trichuris sp. in these products, it is necessary to control them. The aim of the study was to determine the presence of parasite eggs in commercial organic fertilizers available on the market. Selected commercial products were tested using the Quinn flotation method and a method dedicated to the study of dewatered sewage sludge. Assessment of the viability of helminth eggs was carried out on the basis of staining with calcein and propidium iodide. In 57% of the tested samples, the presence of live eggs of the abovementioned parasites was detected, and in 21% of samples, the eggs with live larvae were detected. Eggs of Trichuris sp. (50%) and Ascaris sp. (36%) were the most common. The obtained results clearly indicate that the process of hygienization of the sewage sludge before the production of fertilizers was not effective enough and it is necessary to standardize the prophylaxis against the spread of parasitic nematodes in commercially available products.
Topics: Animals; Ascaris; Fertilizers; Parasites; Sewage; Toxocara; Trichuris
PubMed: 35118511
DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07451-5 -
Current Opinion in Chemical Biology Aug 2020Histone modifying enzymes have vital roles in the growth and survival of both parasites and humans. Targeting the epigenome can be a new strategy for the treatment of... (Review)
Review
Histone modifying enzymes have vital roles in the growth and survival of both parasites and humans. Targeting the epigenome can be a new strategy for the treatment of parasitic diseases. Compounds modulating histone acetylation/deacetylation have recently been reported hampering Plasmodium, Schistosoma, Leishmania, and Trypanosoma infections. Beside new histone deacetylase inhibitors, PfGCN5 and bromodomain inhibitors have been recently described to inhibit Plasmodium proliferation. Sm histone deacetylase 8 and SmSIRT2, as well as Leishmania and Trypanosoma sirtuins (SIR2rps), seem to be the most reliable targets to effectively fight the related protozoan infections. The selectivity toward parasite over mammalian cells is still an open question, and significant optimization efforts of epidrugs are still required to improve potency/selectivity and decrease toxicity. Recent reports on the alteration of cellular signaling pathways provoked by parasite infection through changes in the host acetylation/deacetylation status at gene promoters may suggest novel therapeutic strategies to treat these diseases.
Topics: Acetylation; Animals; Antiparasitic Agents; Drug Discovery; Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors; Histones; Humans; Molecular Targeted Therapy; Parasites; Parasitic Diseases
PubMed: 32615359
DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2020.05.008 -
Trends in Parasitology Mar 2024Nematodes, a diverse group of roundworms, exhibit a wide range of dietary habits, including parasitism of animals and plants. These parasites cause substantial economic... (Review)
Review
Nematodes, a diverse group of roundworms, exhibit a wide range of dietary habits, including parasitism of animals and plants. These parasites cause substantial economic losses in agriculture and pose significant health challenges to humans and animals. This review explores the unique adaptations of parasitic nematodes, emphasizing their nutritional requirements and metabolic dependencies. Recent research has identified cross-kingdom compartmentalization of vitamin B5 biosynthesis in some parasitic nematodes, shedding light on coevolutionary dynamics and potential targets for control strategies. Several open questions remain regarding the complexity of nematode nutrition, host manipulation, evolutionary adaptations, and the influence of environmental factors on their metabolic processes. Understanding these aspects offers promising avenues for targeted interventions to manage and control these economically and medically important parasites.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Nematoda; Plants; Parasites; Agriculture; Feeding Behavior
PubMed: 38262837
DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2023.12.013 -
Parasitology Research Jan 2022Hosts represent discrete habitats that contain finite parasite communities, and individual hosts can be used as replicates in parasitism studies, such as investigations... (Review)
Review
Hosts represent discrete habitats that contain finite parasite communities, and individual hosts can be used as replicates in parasitism studies, such as investigations of the processes that mediate the formation of parasite communities. However, within a single host population, there may be singularities among individuals that affect parasite contact rates. Accordingly, the goals of the present study were to document the parasites associated with the small treefrog Scinax fuscovarius, to verify possible variation and co-occurrences in parasite infracommunities, and to assess the effects of host characteristics (size and sex) on infracommunity structure. Treefrog specimens (n = 75) were collected from the Bodoquena Mountains in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. After collection, the specimens were transported to the laboratory, and examined for parasitic. The parasites found were removed, fixed, and identified. Patterns in parasite infracommunity organization were analyzed using the checkerboard score index, which was calculated using a presence-absence matrix. The matrix was randomized under the null hypothesis that the infracommunities independently represent the component community. Forty-two (56%) of the individuals harbored at least one parasite, and a total of 500 metazoan parasites were recovered, with a particularly rich composite community of 18 taxa, including 13 nematodes, two trematodes, one cestode, one oligochaete, and one mite larvae. The parasite species were randomly distributed among the infracommunities, with no evidence of co-occurrence, segregation, or aggregation. However, both body size and sex influenced infection, with larger hosts harboring more parasites and parasites were more abundant in male specimens and more species rich in female specimens. These results suggest that the parasite infracommunities of S. fuscovarius are shaped by both random factors and individual host characteristics.
Topics: Animals; Anura; Brazil; Ecosystem; Female; Humans; Male; Nematoda; Parasites
PubMed: 34820717
DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07378-3 -
Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton,... 2022The pathogenesis of malaria is largely attributable to the parasite's ability to modulate its cytoadhesion phenotype. This relates to the multigenic families comprising...
The pathogenesis of malaria is largely attributable to the parasite's ability to modulate its cytoadhesion phenotype. This relates to the multigenic families comprising dozens to hundreds of members, whose expression, often mutually exclusive, allows the parasite to vary its adhesive properties and antigenic appearance. This phenomenon is mainly described for the variant surface antigens that the parasite expresses on the infected erythrocyte. In order to decipher these gene expression spectra and identify potential antigenic candidates and/or targets of therapeutic interest, the analysis of the transcriptomes of the parasites directly isolated from patients with well-defined clinical presentation is important. RNA stabilization is an absolute prerequisite for a precise and accurate transcriptome profiling. Immediate stabilization of RNA of biological samples is therefore necessary to prevent degradation by ribonucleases (RNase) or cellular changes. This chapter described methodology for preserving parasite RNA samples from malaria patients in the field for transcriptome studies.
Topics: Animals; Antigens; Erythrocytes; Malaria; Malaria, Falciparum; Parasites; Plasmodium falciparum; RNA
PubMed: 35881335
DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2189-9_3 -
Parasites & Vectors Apr 2023The use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based diagnostic approaches has steadily increased in the field of parasitology in recent decades. The most recent large-scale... (Review)
Review
The use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based diagnostic approaches has steadily increased in the field of parasitology in recent decades. The most recent large-scale technological modification of the PCR formula, also known as third-generation PCR, came in the form of digital PCR (dPCR). Currently, the most common form of dPCR on the market is digital droplet PCR (ddPCR). Unlike quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR), the digital format allows for highly sensitive, absolute quantification of nucleic acid targets and does not require external standards to be included in the developed assays. Dividing each sample into thousands of compartments and using statistical models also eliminates the need for technical replicates. With unprecedented sensitivity and enforcement of binary endpoint reactions, ddPCR not only allows the use of tiny sample volumes (especially important when working with limited amounts of DNA) but also minimises the impact of variations in amplification efficiency and the presence of inhibitors. As ddPCR is characterised by excellent features such as high throughput, sensitivity and robust quantification, it is widely used as a diagnostic tool in clinical microbiology. Due to recent advances, both the theoretical background and the practical, current applications related to the quantification of nucleic acids of eukaryotic parasites need to be updated. In this review, we present the basics of this technology (particularly useful for new users) and consolidate recent advances in the field with a focus on applications to the study of helminths and protozoan parasites.
Topics: Animals; Parasites; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; DNA; Phenotype
PubMed: 37098569
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05756-7 -
Parasitology Sep 2019The investigation of the glycan repertoire of several organisms has revealed a wide variation in terms of structures and abundance of glycan moieties. Among the... (Review)
Review
The investigation of the glycan repertoire of several organisms has revealed a wide variation in terms of structures and abundance of glycan moieties. Among the parasites, it is possible to observe different sets of glycoconjugates across taxa and developmental stages within a species. The presence of distinct glycoconjugates throughout the life cycle of a parasite could relate to the ability of that organism to adapt and survive in different hosts and environments. Carbohydrates on the surface, and in excretory-secretory products of parasites, play essential roles in host-parasite interactions. Carbohydrate portions of complex molecules of parasites stimulate and modulate host immune responses, mainly through interactions with specific receptors on the surface of dendritic cells, leading to the generation of a pattern of response that may benefit parasite survival. Available data reviewed here also show the frequent aspect of parasite immunomodulation of mammalian responses through specific glycan interactions, which ultimately makes these molecules promising in the fields of diagnostics and vaccinology.
Topics: Animals; Diagnostic Tests, Routine; Glycoconjugates; Host-Parasite Interactions; Life Cycle Stages; Parasites; Parasitic Diseases; Vaccines
PubMed: 31057132
DOI: 10.1017/S0031182019000465 -
Trends in Parasitology Dec 2019Trait-based research holds high potential to unveil ecological and evolutionary processes. Functional traits are fitness-related characteristics of individuals, which... (Review)
Review
Trait-based research holds high potential to unveil ecological and evolutionary processes. Functional traits are fitness-related characteristics of individuals, which are measured at individual level and defined without using information external to the individual. Despite the usefulness of the functional approach to understand the performance of individuals in ecosystems, and parasitism being the most common life-history strategy on Earth, studies based on functional traits of parasites are still scarce. Since the choice of functional traits is a critical step for any study, we propose a core list of seven functional traits of metazoan parasites, related to three universal challenges faced by organisms (dispersal, establishment, and persistence), and give guidelines to define appropriate functional traits in future parasite community studies.
Topics: Animals; Ecosystem; Host-Parasite Interactions; Life Cycle Stages; Life History Traits; Models, Biological; Parasites; Parasitology
PubMed: 31678065
DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2019.09.003 -
Virology Journal Sep 2020Infections caused by protozoan parasites burden the world with huge costs in terms of human and animal health. Most parasitic diseases caused by protozoans are... (Review)
Review
Infections caused by protozoan parasites burden the world with huge costs in terms of human and animal health. Most parasitic diseases caused by protozoans are neglected, particularly those associated with poverty and tropical countries, but the paucity of drug treatments and vaccines combined with increasing problems of drug resistance are becoming major concerns for their control and eradication. In this climate, the discovery/repurposing of new drugs and increasing effort in vaccine development should be supplemented with an exploration of new alternative/synergic treatment strategies. Viruses, either native or engineered, have been employed successfully as highly effective and selective therapeutic approaches to treat cancer (oncolytic viruses) and antibiotic-resistant bacterial diseases (phage therapy). Increasing evidence is accumulating that many protozoan, but also helminth, parasites harbour a range of different classes of viruses that are mostly absent from humans. Although some of these viruses appear to have no effect on their parasite hosts, others either have a clear direct negative impact on the parasite or may, in fact, contribute to the virulence of parasites for humans. This review will focus mainly on the viruses identified in protozoan parasites that are of medical importance. Inspired and informed by the experience gained from the application of oncolytic virus- and phage-therapy, rationally-driven strategies to employ these viruses successfully against parasitic diseases will be presented and discussed in the light of the current knowledge of the virus biology and the complex interplay between the viruses, the parasite hosts and the human host. We also highlight knowledge gaps that should be addressed to advance the potential of virotherapy against parasitic diseases.
Topics: Animals; Host-Parasite Interactions; Humans; Oncolytic Virotherapy; Parasites; Parasitic Diseases; Phage Therapy
PubMed: 32993724
DOI: 10.1186/s12985-020-01410-1