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Australian Veterinary Journal May 2022Bovine trichomoniasis, caused by the protozoal parasite Tritrichomonas foetus, is a highly contagious venereal disease characterised by early pregnancy loss, abortion...
Bovine trichomoniasis, caused by the protozoal parasite Tritrichomonas foetus, is a highly contagious venereal disease characterised by early pregnancy loss, abortion and pyometra. Persistently infected bulls and cows are the primary reservoirs of infection in infected herds. This research investigated the prevalence of T. foetus infection in bulls from properties located across northern Australia and New South Wales. Preputial samples were collected from 606 bulls at slaughter and tested for T. foetus using the VetMAX-Gold Trich Detection Kit (Thermo Fisher Scientific). The apparent prevalence of T. foetus infection varied between regions, with northern regions in the Northern Territory, Queensland and Western Australia showing a prevalence of 15.4%, 13.8% and 11.4%, respectively. There was some evidence of an association between infection and postcode (P = 0.06) and increasing bull age (P = 0.054). This study confirms that T. foetus infection is likely to be present in many beef breeding herds and contributing to lower than expected reproductive performance, particularly across northern Australia.
Topics: Abattoirs; Abortion, Veterinary; Animals; Cattle; Cattle Diseases; Female; Male; Northern Territory; Pregnancy; Prevalence; Protozoan Infections, Animal; Tritrichomonas foetus
PubMed: 35080007
DOI: 10.1111/avj.13149 -
Parasitology Research Jan 2022Grey crowned cranes (Balearica regulorum) have been facing significant and long-term population declines in East Africa. Studies of Haemosporidian infections are...
Grey crowned cranes (Balearica regulorum) have been facing significant and long-term population declines in East Africa. Studies of Haemosporidian infections are essential to gain insight into pathogenic threats and help infer vector-host relationships, resolve parasite relationships, and support conservation efforts. As part of a program to reintroduce captive cranes in Rwanda back to their natural habitats, through health checks and initial microscopic examination, 120 grey crowned cranes were selected under suspicion of harboring Haemosporidian infections following initial peripheral blood smear examinations. Of these, 104 were infected with Haemoproteus and 3 were coinfected with Leucocytozoon as detected by PCR and microscopy. Sequencing allowed us to identify 2 distinct unreported lineages of Haemoproteus antigonis and one lineage of Leucocytozoon in the subspecies of Grey Crowned Cranes endemic to East Africa, B. r. gibbericeps. Molecularly, our two lineages of Haemoproteus antigonis differ by 32 base pairs and matched with about 95 percent identity to previously reported sequences of H. antigonis found in other species of cranes. No visible morphologic differences were found when compared to images of H. antigonis from previous studies. Our work demonstrates not only a need for increased testing within the family Gruidae, but also to investigate the possibility of cryptic speciation within the morphospecies Haemoproteus antigonis.
Topics: Animals; Bird Diseases; Haemosporida; Phylogeny; Protozoan Infections, Animal; Rwanda
PubMed: 34767080
DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07358-7 -
Molecular Immunology Sep 2022Parasitic protozoa are eukaryotic unicellular organisms that depend on a variety of living organisms and can develop intra- and extracellularly inside their hosts. In... (Review)
Review
Parasitic protozoa are eukaryotic unicellular organisms that depend on a variety of living organisms and can develop intra- and extracellularly inside their hosts. In humans, these parasites cause diseases with a significant impact on public health, such as malaria, toxoplasmosis, Chagas disease, leishmaniasis and amebiasis. The ability of a parasite in establishing a successful infection depends on a series of intricate evolutionarily selected adaptations, which include the development of molecular and cellular strategies to evade the host immune system effector mechanisms. The complement system is one of the main effector mechanisms and the first humoral shield of hosts innate immunity against pathogens. For unicellular pathogens, such as protozoa, bacteria and fungi, the activation of the complement system may culminate in the elimination of the invader mainly via 1- the formation of a pore that depolarizes the plasma membrane of the parasite, causing cell lysis; 2- opsonization and killing by phagocytes; 3- increasing vascular permeability while also recruiting neutrophils to the site of activation. Numerous strategies to avoid complement activation have been reported for parasitic protozoa, such as 1- sequestration of complement system regulatory proteins produced by the host, 2- expression of complement system regulatory proteins, 3- proteolytic cleavage of different complement effector molecules, 4- formation of a physical glycolipid barrier that prevents deposition of complement molecules on the plasma membrane, and 5- removal, by endocytosis, of complement molecules bound to plasma membrane. In this review, we revisit the different strategies of blocking various stages of complement activation described for the main species of parasitic protozoa, present the most recent discoveries in the field and discuss new perspectives on yet neglected strategies and possible new evasion mechanisms.
Topics: Animals; Complement Activation; Complement System Proteins; Homicide; Humans; Leishmaniasis; Parasites
PubMed: 35709630
DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2022.05.118 -
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases Mar 2021Intestinal parasitic infections, caused by helminths and protozoa, are globally distributed and major causes of worldwide morbidity. The gut microbiota may modulate...
Intestinal parasitic infections, caused by helminths and protozoa, are globally distributed and major causes of worldwide morbidity. The gut microbiota may modulate parasite virulence and host response upon infection. The complex interplay between parasites and the gut microbiota is poorly understood, partly due to sampling difficulties in remote areas with high parasite burden. In a large study of children in Guinea-Bissau, we found high prevalence of intestinal parasites. By sequencing of the 16S rRNA genes of fecal samples stored on filter paper from a total of 1,204 children, we demonstrate that the bacterial microbiota is not significantly altered by helminth infections, whereas it is shaped by the presence of both pathogenic and nonpathogenic protozoa, including Entamoeba (E.) spp. and Giardia (G.) lamblia. Within-sample diversity remains largely unaffected, whereas overall community composition is significantly affected by infection with both nonpathogenic E. coli (R2 = 0.0131, P = 0.0001) and Endolimax nana (R2 = 0.00902, P = 0.0001), and by pathogenic E. histolytica (R2 = 0.0164, P = 0.0001) and G. lamblia (R2 = 0.00676, P = 0.0001). Infections with multiple parasite species induces more pronounced shifts in microbiota community than mild ones. A total of 31 bacterial genera across all four major bacterial phyla were differentially abundant in protozoan infection as compared to noninfected individuals, including increased abundance of Prevotella, Campylobacter and two Clostridium clades, and decreased abundance of Collinsella, Lactobacillus, Ruminococcus, Veillonella and one Clostridium clade. In the present study, we demonstrate that the fecal bacterial microbiota is shaped by intestinal parasitic infection, with most pronounced associations for protozoan species. Our results provide insights into the interplay between the microbiota and intestinal parasites, which are valuable to understand infection biology and design further studies aimed at optimizing treatment strategies.
Topics: Adolescent; Animals; Bacteria; Child; Child, Preschool; Coinfection; Entamoeba; Feces; Female; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Giardia; Guinea-Bissau; Helminths; Humans; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic; Male; Protozoan Infections; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S
PubMed: 33657123
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009232 -
International Reviews of Immunology 2024Chemokines belong to the group of small proteins within the cytokine family having strong chemo-attractant properties. In most cases, the strong immuno-modulatory role... (Review)
Review
Chemokines belong to the group of small proteins within the cytokine family having strong chemo-attractant properties. In most cases, the strong immuno-modulatory role of chemokines is crucial for generating the immune response against pathogens in various protozoan diseases. In this review, we have given a brief update on the classification, characterization, homeostasis, transcellular migration, and immuno-modulatory role of chemokines. Here we will evaluate the potential role of chemokines and their regulation in various protozoan diseases. There is a significant direct relationship between parasitic infection and the recruitment of effector cells of the immune response. Chemokines play an indispensable role in mediating several defense mechanisms against infection, such as leukocyte recruitment and the generation of innate and cell-mediated immunity that aids in controlling/eliminating the pathogen. This process is controlled by the chemotactic movement of chemokines induced as a primary host immune response. We have also addressed that chemokine expressions during infection are time-dependent and orchestrated in a systematic pattern that ultimately assists in generating a protective immune response. Taken together, this review provides a systematic understanding of the complexity of chemokines profiles during protozoan disease conditions and the rationale of targeting chemokines for the development of therapeutic strategies.
Topics: Humans; Chemokines; Animals; Protozoan Infections; Inflammation; Immunity, Innate; Immunity, Cellular
PubMed: 37980574
DOI: 10.1080/08830185.2023.2281566 -
Future Microbiology Feb 2020Globalization has contributed to the emergence of specific parasitic diseases in novel geographical areas, and in these regions, these infections in travelers and... (Review)
Review
Globalization has contributed to the emergence of specific parasitic diseases in novel geographical areas, and in these regions, these infections in travelers and immigrants may cause a considerable burden of disease. Timely diagnosis and treatment of protozoan infections to decrease mortality and prevent associated complications are essential. In this respect, the increased availability of specific DNA-detection procedures has improved the diagnosis of many imported parasitic infections. Travelers and immigrants with associated comorbidities or immunosuppression may pose a special challenge regarding management. An updated review of the main protozoan infections in mobile populations (malaria, Chagas disease, leishmaniasis, enteric protozoan infections) is provided, focusing on the changing epidemiology of these diseases, recent developments in diagnosis and management and the possibility of local transmission of imported infections.
Topics: Amebiasis; Antiprotozoal Agents; Communicable Diseases, Imported; Cryptosporidiosis; Cyclosporiasis; Emigrants and Immigrants; Giardiasis; Humans; Leishmaniasis; Malaria; Protozoan Infections; Travel
PubMed: 32065535
DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2019-0212 -
Experimental Parasitology Nov 2020Acanthamoeba sp. is a free living amoeba that causes severe, painful and fatal infections, viz. Acanthamoeba keratitis and granulomatous amoebic encephalitis among... (Review)
Review
Acanthamoeba sp. is a free living amoeba that causes severe, painful and fatal infections, viz. Acanthamoeba keratitis and granulomatous amoebic encephalitis among humans. Antimicrobial chemotherapy used against Acanthamoeba is toxic to human cells and show side effects as well. Infections due to Acanthamoeba also pose challenges towards currently used antimicrobial treatment including resistance and transformation of trophozoites to resistant cyst forms that can lead to recurrence of infection. Therapeutic agents targeting central nervous system infections caused by Acanthamoeba should be able to cross blood-brain barrier. Nanoparticles based drug delivery put forth an effective therapeutic method to overcome the limitations of currently used antimicrobial chemotherapy. In recent years, various researchers investigated the effectiveness of nanoparticles conjugated drug and/or naturally occurring plant compounds against both trophozoites and cyst form of Acanthamoeba. In the current review, a reasonable effort has been made to provide a comprehensive overview of various nanoparticles tested for their efficacy against Acanthamoeba. This review summarizes the noteworthy details of research performed to elucidate the effect of nanoparticles conjugated drugs against Acanthamoeba.
Topics: Acanthamoeba; Acanthamoeba Keratitis; Amebiasis; Amebicides; Biguanides; Central Nervous System Protozoal Infections; Chlorhexidine; Drug Delivery Systems; Immunocompetence; Immunocompromised Host; Infectious Encephalitis; Nanoparticles; Trophozoites
PubMed: 32979343
DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2020.108008 -
Parasitology Research Dec 2020The objectives of the current study were to assess the preliminary status of Cytauxzoon felis (C. felis) infection among outdoor cats in Mashhad, Iran and also to...
The objectives of the current study were to assess the preliminary status of Cytauxzoon felis (C. felis) infection among outdoor cats in Mashhad, Iran and also to compare clinicopathological findings between C. felis infected and non-infected cats. Blood samples were collected from 100 outdoor domestic cats between April and September in 2019. Infection with C. felis was determined using microscopic observation of giemsa-stained blood smears and molecular analysis. The piroplasms was microscopically detected in 5 (5%) of the blood smears with low parasitemia. The presence of C. felis was confirmed in one positive microscopy sample by PCR. The molecular assay revealed that 19 cats (19%) were infected with C. felis. Hematological and some serum biochemical factors were evaluated in both of the infected and non-infected cats. There was no association between C. felis infection and age, gender, and laboratory findings except for hematocrit (Hct) and concentration of total protein and globulin. Clinical signs such as fever, dehydration, lethargy, and icterus were observed only in 15.78% (3/19) of the infected cats, while 84.22% (16/19) were asymptomatic. Laboratory findings such as non-regenerative anemia, thrombocytopenia, neutrophilic leukocytosis hyperproteinemia, hypoalbuminemia, and hyperbilirubinemia were detected in the clinically infected cats. This study revealed the relatively high frequency of C. felis infection in outdoor domestic cats in Mashahd, Iran. The predominance of asymptomatic infection likely indicates that these cats may be infected with low-virulent strains of C. felis.
Topics: Animals; Asymptomatic Infections; Cat Diseases; Cats; Female; Iran; Male; Parasitemia; Piroplasmida; Protozoan Infections, Animal
PubMed: 32583162
DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06780-7 -
Veterinary Parasitology, Regional... Aug 2019Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) are known to host a wide variety of parasites, including those in the gastrointestinal system. Here, we review the current... (Review)
Review
Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) are known to host a wide variety of parasites, including those in the gastrointestinal system. Here, we review the current knowledge of the main gastrointestinal parasites of reindeer focusing on northern Fennoscandia, which comprises parts of Finland, Sweden, Norway and Russia. We explore both the historical baseline data for diversity and distribution and recent advancements in our understanding of parasite faunas in reindeer across this region. It is evident that the balance between reindeer and their gastrointestinal parasites, along with the potential for emergent disease in the changing world warrants careful monitoring and further studies.
Topics: Animal Migration; Animals; Gastrointestinal Diseases; Helminthiasis, Animal; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic; Prevalence; Protozoan Infections, Animal; Reindeer; Russia; Scandinavian and Nordic Countries
PubMed: 31303237
DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2019.100317 -
Preventive Veterinary Medicine May 2024Tritrichomonas foetus (T. foetus) is a protozoal pathogen that infects cats and constitutes a significant cause of chronic colitis and diarrhea. Perturbations in the gut...
Tritrichomonas foetus (T. foetus) is a protozoal pathogen that infects cats and constitutes a significant cause of chronic colitis and diarrhea. Perturbations in the gut microbiota (GM) are affected by Trichomonas infection. Furthermore, dysregulation of the host GM enhances Trichomonas pathogenicity. However, it remains unclear whether the occurrence of diarrhea is associated with a dysregulation in GM following T. foetus infection in cats. Hence, the primary objective of this investigation was to explore the correlation between T. foetus infection and dysregulation in GM by analyzing fecal samples obtained from pet cats in Henan Province, central China. We randomly collected 898 fecal samples from pet cats living in 11 prefectural cities within Henan Province, and T. foetus was screened with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification based on the 18 S rRNA gene. Subsequently, six T. foetus-positive and six T. foetus-negative samples underwent analysis through 16 S rRNA gene sequencing to evaluate the gut microbiota's composition. The overall prevalence of T. foetus infection among the collected samples was found to be 6.01% (54/898). Notably, a higher prevalence of infection was observed in young, undewormed, unimmunized, and diarrheic pet cats. T. foetus infection was found to significantly alter the composition of the pet cat fecal microbiota, leading to dysfunctions. Moreover, it resulted in a substantial increase in the abundance of Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, and Phascolarctobacterium spp., while decreasing the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes (F/B) and the abundance of Actinobacteria, Clostridiaceae_Clostridium spp., Phascolarctobacterium spp., SMB53 spp., and Blautia spp. We constructed ROC curves to assess the diagnostic value of specific bacterial taxa in discriminating T. foetus infection. The analysis revealed that Proteobacteria and Clostridiaceae_Clostridium spp. were the most reliable single predictors for T. foetus infection. This finding suggests that alterations in the GM may be strongly associated with T. foetus infections.
Topics: Cats; Animals; Protozoan Infections, Animal; Tritrichomonas foetus; Prevalence; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Diarrhea; Feces; Risk Factors; Cat Diseases
PubMed: 38518658
DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2024.106162