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Parasitology International Feb 2024Medaka Oryzias latipes is a small freshwater fish widely distributed in Japan. It is a popular ornamental fish and now has been recognized as an important model organism...
Medaka Oryzias latipes is a small freshwater fish widely distributed in Japan. It is a popular ornamental fish and now has been recognized as an important model organism in many areas of biological research. Here we report microsporidian infections for the first time in medaka, from 2 research facilities and a wild population. Infected medaka exhibited abnormal appearance with whitish trunk muscle, and microsporidian spores were detected from the affected tissue. The size of spores was similar in all the three cases: 7.0 μm in length and 3.7-4.2 μm in width. In the histological observation, numerous sporophorous vesicles containing spores or other developmental stages were observed within the myocytes of the trunk muscle. Nucleotide sequence of the ribosomal RNA gene was determined and it was identical among all three cases. A BLAST search revealed it shared 99.5-99.6% identity with Pleistophora hyphessobryconis, a microsporidian known to infect >20 freshwater fish species. Light microscopic observation of spores and histological features also indicated the microsporidian infection in medaka is caused by P. hyphessobryconis. This is the first record of the microsporidian species from medaka and from Japan.
Topics: Animals; Oryzias; Japan; Pleistophora; Microsporidia; Microsporidiosis
PubMed: 37981261
DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2023.102825 -
BMC Microbiology Nov 2023Enterocytozoon bieneusi, Encephalitozoon spp., Cryptosporidium spp., and Giardia duodenalis (G. intestinalis) are enteric pathogens that cause diarrhea in pigs. This...
First identification and coinfection detection of Enterocytozoon bieneusi, Encephalitozoon spp., Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis in diarrheic pigs in Southwest China.
BACKGROUND
Enterocytozoon bieneusi, Encephalitozoon spp., Cryptosporidium spp., and Giardia duodenalis (G. intestinalis) are enteric pathogens that cause diarrhea in pigs. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of these enteric parasites and their coinfection with E. bieneusi in diarrheic pigs in Southwest China (Chongqing and Sichuan) using nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) based methods.
RESULTS
A total of 514 fecal samples were collected from diarrheic pigs from 14 pig farms in Chongqing (five farms) and Sichuan (nine farms) Provinces. The prevalence of Encephalitozoon spp., Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis was 16.14% (83/514), 0% (0/514), and 8.95% (46/514), respectively. Nested PCR revealed 305 mono-infections of E. bieneusi, six of E. cuniculi, two of E. hellem, and nine of G. duodenalis and 106 concurrent infections of E. bieneusi with the other enteric pathogens. No infections of E. intestinalis and Cryptosporidium species were detected. The highest coinfection was detected between E. bieneusi and E. cuniculi (10.5%, 54/514), followed by E. bieneusi and G. duodenalis (5.8%, 30/514) and E. bieneusi and E. hellem (2.9%, 15/514). E. bieneusi was the most frequently detected enteric pathogen, followed by E. cuniculi, G. duodenalis and E. hellem. There was a significant age-related difference in the prevalence of E. cuniculi in fattening pigs (χ = 15.266, df = 3, P = 0.002) and G. duodenalis in suckling pigs (χ = 11.92, df = 3, P = 0.008) compared with the other age groups. Sequence analysis of the ITS region of Encephalitozoon species showed two genotypes (II and III) for E. cuniculi and one (TURK1B) for E. hellem. Only G. duodenalis assemblage A was identified in all nested PCR-positive samples. E. bieneusi was found more often than other enteric pathogens.
CONCLUSIONS
This study showed that E. bieneusi, Encephalitozoon spp. [E. cuniculi and E. hellem] and G. duodenalis were common enteric parasites in diarrheic pigs in Chongqing and Sichuan Provinces. In case of both mono-infection and coinfection, E. bieneusi was the most common enteric pathogen in diarrheic pigs. Thus, it may be a significant cause of diarrhea in pigs. Precautions should be taken to prevent the spread of these enteric parasites.
Topics: Animals; Swine; Giardia lamblia; Giardiasis; Enterocytozoon; Cryptosporidiosis; Cryptosporidium; Encephalitozoon; Coinfection; Microsporidiosis; China; Genotype; Feces; Diarrhea
PubMed: 37951859
DOI: 10.1186/s12866-023-03070-x -
BMC Infectious Diseases Nov 2023Most cases of microsporidial keratoconjunctivitis are found in the Southern hemisphere. Our purpose was to investigate the first outbreak of microsporidial... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
BACKGROUND
Most cases of microsporidial keratoconjunctivitis are found in the Southern hemisphere. Our purpose was to investigate the first outbreak of microsporidial keratoconjunctivitis in Japan among healthy, immunocompetent soccer players from the same team during a 1-month period.
CASE PRESENTATION
This study is an observational case series. The medical records were analyzed for five cases with microsporidial keratoconjunctivitis who presented within September 2022. All five cases were males between 28 and 36 years old. These previously healthy individuals belonged to the same football team. Their eyes were considered susceptible to contaminated water or dirt from the turf at game and practice sites. All cases involved unilateral conjunctivitis, with scattered round white lesions that showed positive fluorescein staining in the corneal epithelium. All cases experienced diminution of vision in the affected eye. In three cases, direct smears showed spores of approximately 2-3 μm in diameter. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of corneal scrapes revealed partial amplification of microsporidial 18 S ribosomal RNA gene in four cases. Sequences of PCR products from all four cases showed 100% identity with strains of Vittaforma corneae previously reported from an outbreak in Singapore. All cases were treated with topical therapy, including voriconazole, fluorometholone, and levofloxacin. Four eyes underwent corneal scraping. After treatment, all eyes healed without residual opacities.
CONCLUSIONS
Only a few sporadic case reports of this disease have previously been reported in Japan. We detected V. corneae in our case series, representing what appears to be the first outbreak of microsporidial keratoconjunctivitis in Japan. Exposure to contaminated water or soil, in addition to inadequate sanitary facilities, represents a potential source of infection. Further investigations to clarify the characteristics of microsporidia seem warranted.
Topics: Male; Humans; Adult; Female; Microsporidiosis; Japan; Keratoconjunctivitis; Disease Outbreaks; Water
PubMed: 37915107
DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08767-y -
Microbiology Spectrum Dec 2023There are a few reports on the resistance of microsporidia, including . Here, the alkali-soluble germination proteins of were used as immunogens to prepare a monoclonal...
There are a few reports on the resistance of microsporidia, including . Here, the alkali-soluble germination proteins of were used as immunogens to prepare a monoclonal antibody, and its single-chain variable fragments effectively blocked microsporidia infection. Our study has provided novel strategies for microsporidiosis control and demonstrated a useful method for the potential treatment of other microsporidia diseases.
Topics: Animals; Bombyx; Nosema; Microsporidiosis; Antibodies, Monoclonal; Spores; Cell Proliferation
PubMed: 37811955
DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00681-23 -
Fish & Shellfish Immunology Nov 2023Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP) is a prevalent microsporidian pathogen responsible for hepatopancreatic microsporidiosis (HPM) in Litopenaeus vannamei. This infection...
Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP) is a prevalent microsporidian pathogen responsible for hepatopancreatic microsporidiosis (HPM) in Litopenaeus vannamei. This infection not only leads to slowed growth in shrimp abut aslo inflicts substantial economic losses in the global aquaculture industry. However, the molecular mechanisms by which EHP influences the host during various infection stages remain unclear. This study employed comparative transcriptomics to examine the effects of EHP infection on Litopenaeus vannamei between early and late stage of infection groups. Utilizing transcriptomic approaches, we identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) with notable biological significance through the COG, GO, KEGG, GSEA, and Mufzz time-series methodologies. The results reveal that EHP infection considerably influences host gene expression, with marked differences between early and late infection across distinct timeframes. Key processes such as detoxification, cell apoptosis, and lipid metabolism are pivotal during host-parasite interactions. Hexokinase and phosphatidic acid phosphatase emerge as key factors enabling invasion and sustained effects. Cytochrome P450 and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase could facilitate infection progression. EHP significantly impacts growth, especially through ecdysteroids and 17β-estradiol dehydrogenase. By delineating stage-specific effects, we gain insights into interaction between EHP and Litopenaeus vannamei, showing how intracellular pathogens reprogram host defenses into mechanisms enabling long-term persistence. This study provides a deeper understanding of host-pathogen dynamics, emphasizing the interplay between detoxification, metabolism, immunity, apoptosis and growth regulation over the course of long-term symbiosis.
Topics: Animals; Transcriptome; Symbiosis; Gene Expression Profiling; Aquaculture; Penaeidae
PubMed: 37778737
DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2023.109088 -
Nature Microbiology Oct 2023
Topics: Microsporidia; Spores, Fungal; Microsporidiosis; Ribosomes
PubMed: 37709901
DOI: 10.1038/s41564-023-01481-0 -
Parasitology Research Nov 2023The phylum Microsporidia includes obligate intracellular parasites that can infect humans and various animals. To date, 17 different species within the phylum have been...
The phylum Microsporidia includes obligate intracellular parasites that can infect humans and various animals. To date, 17 different species within the phylum have been reported to infect humans. Among them, Enterocytozoon bieneusi (E. bieneusi) is one of the most frequently detected species in humans. Identification of E. bieneusi as well as its genotypes in humans and animals is important to reveal their role in transmission to each other. Cats are blamed as the source of E. bieneusi transmission to humans. In this study, we aimed to genotype 170 E. bieneusi positive samples isolated from stool of stray cats living in İzmir province of Türkiye. According to the results, 47 samples were amplified by nested PCR protocol targeting ITS region and successfully sequenced. The phylogenetic analysis showed the presence of zoonotic genotype D and type IV in stray cats, which are also frequently detected in humans. Among the E. bieneusi genotypes detected, the prevalence of type IV (93.6%; 44/47) was very high compared to genotype D. Overall, the identification of zoonotic genotypes of E. bieneusi supports that stray cats can play an important role in the transmission of E. bieneusi to humans in İzmir.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Cats; Enterocytozoon; Genotype; Microsporidiosis; Phylogeny; Microsporidia; Prevalence; Feces; China; Zoonoses
PubMed: 37707609
DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-07974-5 -
Emerging Microbes & Infections Dec 2023Intestinal microsporidiosis is most often caused by , and to a lesser extent by species of the genus . Until now, was not clearly known to induce disease restricted to...
Intestinal microsporidiosis is most often caused by , and to a lesser extent by species of the genus . Until now, was not clearly known to induce disease restricted to the intestine, or rarely in HIV subjects or in tropical countries. We report here 11 cases of delineated intestinal microsporidioses due to diagnosed in France in non-HIV patients. Briefly, all patients were immunocompromised. They all suffered from diarrhoea, associated in nearly 50% of cases with weight loss. Concerning treatment, 5/11 patients had a discontinuation or a decrease of their immunosuppressive therapy, and 4/11 received albendazole. All patients recovered. Five different genotypes were identified based on the rRNA ITS sequence.
Topics: Humans; Encephalitozoon; Microsporidiosis; Enterocytozoon; Intestines; Feces
PubMed: 37706342
DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2023.2258997 -
Parasites & Vectors Aug 2023Microsporidia are a class of obligate intracellular parasitic unicellular eukaryotes that infect a variety of hosts, even including humans. Although different species of... (Review)
Review
Microsporidia are a class of obligate intracellular parasitic unicellular eukaryotes that infect a variety of hosts, even including humans. Although different species of microsporidia differ in host range and specificity, they all share a similar infection organelle, the polar tube, which is also defined as the polar filament in mature spores. In response to the appropriate environmental stimulation, the spore germinates with the polar filament everted, forming a hollow polar tube, and then the infectious cargo is transported into host cells via the polar tube. Hence, the polar tube plays a key role in microsporidian infection. Here, we review the origin, structure, composition, function, and application of the microsporidian polar tube, focusing on the origin of the polar filament, the structural differences between the polar filament and polar tube, and the characteristics of polar tube proteins. Comparing the three-dimensional structure of PTP6 homologous proteins provides new insight for the screening of additional novel polar tube proteins with low sequence similarity in microsporidia. In addition, the interaction of the polar tube with the spore wall and the host are summarized to better understand the infection mechanism of microsporidia. Due to the specificity of polar tube proteins, they are also used as the target in the diagnosis and prevention of microsporidiosis. With the present findings, we propose a future study on the polar tube of microsporidia.
Topics: Humans; Microsporidia; Microsporidiosis; Biological Transport; Cell Wall; Cytoskeleton
PubMed: 37649053
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05908-9 -
Journal Francais D'ophtalmologie May 2024
Topics: Humans; Female; Microsporidiosis; Keratoconjunctivitis; Immunocompetence; Multimodal Imaging; Eye Infections, Fungal; Tomography, Optical Coherence; Microsporidia
PubMed: 37620198
DOI: 10.1016/j.jfo.2023.03.031