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Applied and Environmental Microbiology Jun 2024Farnesol salvage, a two-step pathway converting farnesol to farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP), occurs in bacteria, plants, and animals. This paper investigates the presence...
UNLABELLED
Farnesol salvage, a two-step pathway converting farnesol to farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP), occurs in bacteria, plants, and animals. This paper investigates the presence of this pathway in fungi. Through bioinformatics, biochemistry, and physiological analyses, we demonstrate its absence in the yeasts and , suggesting a likely absence across fungi. We screened 1,053 fungal genomes, including 34 from , for potential homologs to four genes (, , , and ) known to accomplish farnesol/prenol salvage in other organisms. Additionally, we showed that H-farnesol was not converted to FPP or any other phosphorylated prenol, and exogenous farnesol was not metabolized within 90 minutes at any phase of growth and did not rescue cells from the toxic effects of atorvastatin, but it did elevate the levels of intracellular farnesol (F). All these experiments were conducted with . In sum, we found no evidence for farnesol salvage in fungi.
IMPORTANCE
The absence of farnesol salvage constitutes a major difference in the metabolic capabilities of fungi. In terms of fungal physiology, the lack of farnesol salvage pathways relates to how farnesol acts as a quorum-sensing molecule in and why farnesol should be investigated for use in combination with other known antifungal antibiotics. Its absence is essential for a model (K. W. Nickerson et al., Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 88:e00081-22, 2024), wherein protein farnesylation, protein chaperones, and the unfolded protein response are combined under the unifying umbrella of a cell's intracellular farnesol (F). In terms of human health, farnesol should have at least two different modes of action depending on whether those cells have farnesol salvage. Because animals have farnesol salvage, we can now see the importance of dietary prenols as well as the potential importance of farnesol in treating neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and multiple sclerosis.
PubMed: 38940563
DOI: 10.1128/aem.00874-24 -
Microbiology Spectrum Jun 2024The majority of the nearly 10,000 described species of green algae are photoautotrophs; however, some species have lost their ability to photosynthesize and become...
UNLABELLED
The majority of the nearly 10,000 described species of green algae are photoautotrophs; however, some species have lost their ability to photosynthesize and become obligate heterotrophs that rely on parasitism for survival. Two high-quality genomes of the heterotrophic algae Pz20 and Pz23 were obtained using short- and long-read genomic as well as transcriptomic data. The genome sizes were 31.2 Mb and 31.3 Mb, respectively, and contig N50 values of 1.99 Mb and 1.26 Mb. Although maintained its plastid genome, the transition to heterotrophy led to a reduction in both plastid and nuclear genome size, including the loss of photosynthesis-related genes from both the nuclear and plastid genomes and the elimination of genes encoding for carotenoid oxygenase and pheophorbide an oxygenase. The loss of genes, including basic leucine-zipper (bZIP) transcription factors, flavin adenine dinucleotide-linked oxidase, and helicase, could have played a role in the transmission of autotrophy to heterotrophs and in the processes of abiotic stress resistance and pathogenicity. A total of 66 (1.37%) and 73 (1.49%) genes were identified as potential horizontal gene transfer events in the two genomes, respectively. Genes for malate synthase and isocitrate lyase, which are horizontally transferred from bacteria, may play a pivotal role in carbon and nitrogen metabolism as well as the pathogenicity of and non-photosynthetic organisms. The two high-quality genomes provide new insights into their evolution as obligate heterotrophs and pathogenicity.
IMPORTANCE
The genus , characterized by its heterotrophic nature and pathogenicity, serves as an exemplary model for investigating pathobiology. The limited understanding of the protothecosis infectious disease is attributed to the lack of genomic resources. Using HiFi long-read sequencing, both nuclear and plastid genomes were generated for two strains of . The findings revealed a concurrent reduction in both plastid and nuclear genome size, accompanied by the loss of genes associated with photosynthesis, carotenoid oxygenase, basic leucine-zipper (bZIP) transcription factors, and others. The analysis of horizontal gene transfer revealed the presence of 1.37% and 1.49% bacterial genes, including malate synthase and isocitrate lyase, which play crucial roles in carbon and nitrogen metabolism, as well as pathogenicity and obligate heterotrophy. The two high-quality genomes represent valuable resources for investigating their adaptation and evolution as obligate heterotrophs, as well as for developing future prevention and treatment strategies against protothecosis.
PubMed: 38940543
DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.04148-23 -
MSphere Jun 2024Dinoflagellates and diatoms are highly prevalent and ecologically important phytoplankton in coastal waters, greatly contributing to primary productivity in marine...
Dinoflagellates and diatoms are highly prevalent and ecologically important phytoplankton in coastal waters, greatly contributing to primary productivity in marine ecosystems. Although their composition and diversity have been extensively elucidated in the open ocean, their interaction patterns and community assembly in long-term eutrophic coastal waters remain poorly understood. This investigation aimed to elucidate the seasonal successional patterns of dinoflagellates and diatoms by 18S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing in a semi-enclosed bay. The results revealed that dinoflagellate and diatom communities have pronounced seasonal succession patterns, which are primarily associated with temperature. Furthermore, the most prevalent species throughout the year were and . Moreover, the assembly of dinoflagellate and diatom communities was mainly dominated by stochastic processes, with drift being the major factor. The co-occurrence of dinoflagellates and diatoms showed seasonal patterns, with the highest interactions observed in autumn. In addition, interactions of Syndiniales with dinoflagellates and diatoms highlighted the roles of parasites in eutrophic conditions. and are the bacterial taxa that most frequently interacted with dinoflagellates and diatoms, with interactions between dinoflagellates and bacteria being more complex than those between diatoms and bacteria. Overall, this study provides results that deepen our understanding of the phytoplankton dynamics in coastal eutrophic waters.IMPORTANCEDinoflagellates and diatoms are major phytoplankton groups in coastal waters. The composition and diversity of dinoflagellates and diatoms in the open ocean have been well documented; however, it remains uncertain to what extent their adaptation to long-term eutrophic conditions influences their response to environmental disturbances. Here, we investigated the interactions and assembly processes of dinoflagellates and diatoms in a eutrophic bay throughout the whole year. Our findings revealed that interactions between dinoflagellates and diatoms are primarily shaped by seasonal transitions, while prolonged eutrophic conditions tend to amplify stochastic processes in community assembly. These findings provide novel perspectives on the influence of long-term eutrophication on phytoplankton dynamics within eutrophic waters.
PubMed: 38940511
DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00366-24 -
Annals of Agricultural and... Jun 2024Morphological anomalies are considered a rare phenomenon among natural tick populations. New cases of abnormalities in ticks are being described, such as body...
Morphological anomalies are considered a rare phenomenon among natural tick populations. New cases of abnormalities in ticks are being described, such as body assymetries, nanism, gynandromorphism and limb malformations. The tick removed from a cat was morphologically identified to species and developmental stage. The time of feeding on the host was determined. The specimen was tested using PCR and Real-Time PCR methods for the presence of the common tick-borne pathogens: , spp, spp., , spp. For visualisation of the anomalous structures, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was performed. The tick was identified as a slightly engorged adult female of I. ricinus exhibiting ectromely of leg I on the left side of the idiosoma. The specimen was tested positive for two medically important pathogens: and . The case report describes a rare case of a morphological anomaly in an tick from Poland.
Topics: Animals; Poland; Ixodes; Female; Cats; Cat Diseases; Anaplasma phagocytophilum; Tick Infestations
PubMed: 38940115
DOI: 10.26444/aaem/172533 -
Annals of Agricultural and... Jun 2024Intestinal parasitoses are important causes of morbidity and mortality, especially in immunocompromised individuals. In patients with chronic renal insufficiency (CRI),...
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE
Intestinal parasitoses are important causes of morbidity and mortality, especially in immunocompromised individuals. In patients with chronic renal insufficiency (CRI), the accumulation of non-excreted metabolites leads to uraemia, which induces a state of immunodeficiency, increasing the incidence of infections. The aim of the study was molecular screening for enteric protozoa in patients with chronic renal insufficiency.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
A total of 53 samples were collected in January 2023 from patients undergoing dialysis at Logman Ltd. Nephrodialysis Centre in Košice, Slovakia. Samples were examined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the presence of / , , Microsporidia spp., and sp.
RESULTS
From the 53 samples, the only pathogen identified by PCR was Blastocystis sp., in 13 patients (24.5 %). Sequence analyses confirmed that the most prevalent subtype (ST) among patients was ST 3 (n=9, 69.2%), followed by ST 1 (n=3, 23.1%) and ST 2 (n=1, 7.7%).
CONCLUSIONS
Molecular methods for the detection of microscopic enteric parasites are not used as a first-line diagnostic method in Slovakia. In immunocompromised patients, diarrhoea can be caused not only by a chronic disease or therapy but can also be a result of an ongoing underdiagnosed infection. Early diagnosis leads to targeted therapy and subsequent partial improvement of the quality of life. This study also shows the first insights into sp. subtype distribution in humans in Slovakia.
Topics: Humans; Slovakia; Blastocystis; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Blastocystis Infections; Renal Dialysis; Aged; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Adult; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; Feces; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic; Aged, 80 and over
PubMed: 38940102
DOI: 10.26444/aaem/185634 -
Frontiers in Bioscience (Landmark... Jun 2024Hormone receptors exert their function through binding with their ligands, which results in cellular signaling activation mediated by genomic or non-genomic mechanisms....
BACKGROUND
Hormone receptors exert their function through binding with their ligands, which results in cellular signaling activation mediated by genomic or non-genomic mechanisms. The intrinsic molecular communication of tick and its host comprises an endocrine regulation involving hormones. In the present study, we performed a molecular and analysis of a Membrane Associated Progesterone Receptor in (RmMAPRC).
METHODS
The RmMAPRC protein sequence was analyzed with bioinformatics tools, and its structure was characterized by three-dimensional (3D) modeling and molecular docking. A semi-quantitative reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction (sqRT-PCR) assessed the gene presence and relative expression in tick organs and embryonic cells.
RESULTS
relative expression in salivary glands, ovaries, and embryonic cells showed overexpression of 3%, 13%, and 24%, respectively. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that RmMAPRC corresponded to a Progesterone Receptor Membrane Component 1 (RmPGRMC1) of ~23.7 kDa, with an N-terminal transmembrane domain and a C-terminal Cytochrome b5-like heme/steroid binding domain. The docking results suggest that RmPGRMC1 could bind to progesterone (P4), some progestins, and P4 antagonists. The phylogenetic reconstruction showed that spp. MAPRC receptors were clustered in a clade that includes , , and (RmMAPRC), and mammals and helminths MAPRC receptors clustered in two separated clades away from ticks.
CONCLUSIONS
The presence of RmPGRMC1 highlights the importance of transregulation as a conserved adaptive mechanism that has succeeded for arthropod parasites, making it a target for tick control.
Topics: Animals; Rhipicephalus; Receptors, Progesterone; Progesterone; Cattle; Molecular Docking Simulation; Host-Parasite Interactions; Female; Amino Acid Sequence; Protein Binding; Phylogeny
PubMed: 38940045
DOI: 10.31083/j.fbl2906238 -
Journal of Global Health Jun 2024Malaria infection during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of maternal death, as well as adverse birth outcomes. Intermittent preventive treatment in...
BACKGROUND
Malaria infection during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of maternal death, as well as adverse birth outcomes. Intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP) is known to improve pregnancy outcomes. However, the coverage of IPTp-SP in antenatal care (ANC) in sub-Saharan Africa remains well below the target. This study aims to estimate to what extent malaria service readiness affects the uptake of IPTp-SP during ANC visits in sub-Saharan African countries.
METHODS
This study included 3267 pregnant women attending ANC for the first time and 2797 pregnant women who had attended ANC more than a month ago in six sub-Saharan African countries. The readiness of malaria services at each institution includes four indicators: the presence of IPTp-SP guidelines, SP availability, integration of IPTp-SP service into ANC, and provider training on IPTp-SP. The outcome variable indicates whether a pregnant woman received IPTp-SP at her current ANC visit. A modified Poisson regression model estimated the associations between malaria service readiness and IPTp-SP uptake for women eligible for the first and subsequent doses.
RESULTS
For women eligible for their first dose, visiting an institution with available SP was associated with an increased probability of receiving IPTp-SP (risk ratio (RR) = 1.43; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.22 to 1.67, P < 0.001). For women who were eligible for their next dose, the availability of SP (RR = 1.17; 95% CI = 1.04 to 1.32, P = 0.008) and integration of IPTp-SP service into ANC (RR = 1.82; 95% CI = 1.21 to 2.74, P = 0.004) in the institution were associated with increased likelihood of IPTp-SP uptake. Counterfactual predictions indicated that enhanced provider training could boost IPTp-SP uptake in high-uptake countries, while better SP availability and IPTp-SP integration into ANC would significantly impact low-uptake countries.
CONCLUSIONS
For better IPTp-SP coverage, strategies should be customised. High uptake countries should focus on provider training, while low uptake ones should ensure IPTp-SP availability and service integration.
Topics: Humans; Female; Pregnancy; Antimalarials; Africa South of the Sahara; Pyrimethamine; Sulfadoxine; Malaria; Pregnancy Complications, Parasitic; Adult; Drug Combinations; Prenatal Care; Young Adult; Adolescent; Patient Acceptance of Health Care
PubMed: 38939971
DOI: 10.7189/jogh.14.04112 -
Journal of Parasitology Research 2024Human toxocariasis (HT) is a zoonotic disease with a global expansion. Contaminated soil with spp. eggs is the main source of human infection, which may lead to severe...
BACKGROUND
Human toxocariasis (HT) is a zoonotic disease with a global expansion. Contaminated soil with spp. eggs is the main source of human infection, which may lead to severe complications depending on the organs invaded by migrating larvae.
AIM
This study is aimed at eliciting the prevalence of spp. eggs in public parks in Zahedan, southeast Iran, and providing new insight into the soil contamination rate in this area using microscopic and molecular methods.
METHODS
Based on five municipal districts, 240 soil samples were collected from public parks and playgrounds in Zahedan. The modified Sheather's flotation technique was employed to isolate spp. eggs from the soil, followed by microscopic assessment and molecular evaluation of internal transcribed spacer 1 and 2 ribosomal deoxyribonucleic acid (ITS1 and 2 rDNA) using nested polymerase chain reaction (nested PCR) to identify the presence of spp. eggs. The Sanger sequence was used to differentiate the species. Subsequently, all the sequenced data were blasted and compared with other sequences available in the GenBank.
RESULTS
Out of 240 soil samples collected, 7 (2.9%) samples were identified to contain spp. eggs using Sheather's flotation and microscopic techniques. Meanwhile, 19 (7.9%) samples were positive using nested PCR. According to the Sanger sequencing analysis findings, all positive samples were contaminated with .
CONCLUSION
As evidenced by the obtained results, only species were detected in public parks and playgrounds in Zahedan; therefore, control and prevention programs against this species should be considered in human and animal communities.
PubMed: 38939904
DOI: 10.1155/2024/2132696 -
Acta Medica Philippina 2024Indigenous peoples (IPs) remain vulnerable to soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) due to limited access to sanitary toilets, clean water, quality health education, and...
BACKGROUND
Indigenous peoples (IPs) remain vulnerable to soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) due to limited access to sanitary toilets, clean water, quality health education, and services. The World Health Organization recommends periodic mass drug administration (MDA) of anthelminthics, health education, and improvements in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) as control strategies to reduce morbidities caused by STH in target populations such as school-age children (SAC).This paper complements the published results of the parasitological survey (prevalence and intensity of STH) conducted in selected Aeta and Ata-Manobo communities.
OBJECTIVES
This study aimed to describe the accessibility of STH control strategies to respond to the needs of SAC in IP communities in Pampanga and Davao del Norte, the Philippines. It likewise intended to describe access of these IP communities to STH control strategies.
METHODS
Data on accessibility of and access to STH control strategies were collected using key informant interviews (KIIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs). Eleven officials and workers from the departments of health and education, local government units, and two IP leaders were interviewed on the existing STH burden in SAC, implementation of STH control strategies, particularly of MDA, health education campaigns, and improvements in WASH including good practices and challenges in program implementation.Three FGDs with parents, elementary school teachers of IP schools, and rural health midwives were conducted separately. Guide questions focused on accessibility of and access to STH prevention and control strategies for SAC in IP communities. Informed consent to conduct and record KIIs and FGDs were obtained from participants prior to participation.Analysis of a multi-disciplinary team was based on the accessibility framework for IPs accessing indigenous primary health care services by Davy et al. (2016).
RESULTS
The characteristics of the STH control strategies and the target populations are interrelated factors that influence accessibility. Challenges in the availability of the MDA program, particularly, inadequate staffing, drug shortages, and delays in delivery affect accessibility of and access to the free STH control strategies. Perceived harm, adverse events, stigma, beliefs, and practices likewise affect access. Lack of information on the similarity of treatment through community- and school-based MDA programs also affected engagement of SAC.IP communities are special settings where geographic isolation, peace and order situation as well as water supply need to be considered to help ensure access to STH control strategies, high MDA coverage, and improvements in WASH leading to desired outcomes.
CONCLUSIONS
Considering the context of IP communities and addressing the challenges in the accessibility of and access to STH control strategies are necessary to ensure successful implementation of an integrated approach in STH prevention and control strategies. Challenges in the accessibility of STH control strategies are inadequate staffing, poor inventory, and delays in the delivery of drugs, as well as poor sanitation and hygiene. Access of SAC is likewise affected by misconceptions on safety and efficacy of anthelminthics, including stigma and cultural practices. The similarity of the MDA programs based in school or community need to be disseminated.
PubMed: 38939852
DOI: 10.47895/amp.vi0.6439 -
Extracellular Vesicle Jun 2024Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane-bound vesicles released into the extracellular milieu from various cell types including host cells and pathogens that infect...
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane-bound vesicles released into the extracellular milieu from various cell types including host cells and pathogens that infect them. As carriers of nucleic acids, proteins, lipids, metabolites, and virulence factors, EVs act as delivery vehicles for intercellular communication and quorum sensing. Innate immune cells have the capacity to intercept, internalize, and interpret 'messages' contained within these EVs. This review categorizes the ability of EVs secreted by bacterial, parasitic, and fungal pathogens to trigger both pro- and anti-inflammatory innate immune responses in the host. Understanding molecular pathways and inflammatory responses activated in innate immune cells upon pathogen-derived EV stimulation is critical to gain insight into potential therapeutics and combat these infectious diseases.
PubMed: 38939756
DOI: 10.1016/j.vesic.2024.100043