-
Parasite (Paris, France) 2024Wild rodents serve as reservoirs for Cryptosporidium and are overpopulated globally. However, genetic data regarding Cryptosporidium in these animals from China are...
Wild rodents serve as reservoirs for Cryptosporidium and are overpopulated globally. However, genetic data regarding Cryptosporidium in these animals from China are limited. Here, we have determined the prevalence and genetic characteristics of Cryptosporidium among 370 wild rodents captured from three distinct locations in the southern region of Zhejiang Province, China. Fresh feces were collected from the rectum of each rodent, and DNA was extracted from them. The rodent species was identified by PCR amplifying the vertebrate cytochrome b gene. Cryptosporidium was detected by PCR amplification and amplicon sequencing the small subunit of ribosomal RNA gene. Positive samples of C. viatorum and C. parvum were further subtyped by analyzing the 60-kDa glycoprotein gene. A positive Cryptosporidium result was found in 7% (26/370) of samples, involving five rodent species: Apodemus agrarius (36), Niviventer niviventer (75), Rattus losea (18), R. norvegicus (155), and R. tanezumi (86). Their respective Cryptosporidium positive rates were 8.3%, 5.3%, 11.1%, 7.1%, and 7.0%. Sequence analysis confirmed the presence of three Cryptosporidium species: C. parvum (4), C. viatorum (1), and C. muris (1), and two genotypes: Cryptosporidium rat genotype IV (16) and C. mortiferum-like (4). Additionally, two subtypes of C. parvum (IIdA15G1 and IIpA19) and one subtype of C. viatorum (XVdA3) were detected. These results demonstrate that various wild rodent species in Zhejiang were concurrently infected with rodent-adapted and zoonotic species/genotypes of Cryptosporidium, indicating that these rodents can play a role in maintaining and dispersing this parasite into the environment and other hosts, including humans.
Topics: Animals; Cryptosporidiosis; China; Cryptosporidium; Feces; Rodent Diseases; Animals, Wild; Rats; Rodentia; Prevalence; Public Health; Disease Reservoirs; Phylogeny; Humans; DNA, Protozoan; Murinae; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Zoonoses; Genotype
PubMed: 38949636
DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2024033 -
International Journal For Parasitology.... Aug 2024Reduncin bovids of spp. (Bovidae: Reduncini) are natively distributed in sub-Saharan Africa, although some populations have been introduced into parks and zoos around...
Remarks on spp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from spp. (Bovidae: Reduncini), with supplementary morphological data of Ricci-Bitti et al., 1973 from a new host subspecies, the common waterbuck (Ogilbyi, 1833).
Reduncin bovids of spp. (Bovidae: Reduncini) are natively distributed in sub-Saharan Africa, although some populations have been introduced into parks and zoos around the world. The majority of the species has declining populations, being categorized as threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources; therefore, protective measures for the conservation of spp. are necessary, including the study of their parasites, such as the eimeriid coccidians (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae). In this context, the aim of the current study was to brings together the taxonomic data from the descriptions and reports of spp. from reduncin bovids, based on the detailed morphological identification of Ricci-Bitti, Pampiglione & Kabala, 1973 from a new host subspecies, the common waterbuck (Ogilbyi, 1833), in a safari park of Portugal. Five spp. are recorded from reduncin bovids, in addition to six more reports identified generically as sp., which were compared and taxonomically rearranged. The oocysts identified as in the current study were compatible with the original description and were supplemented for some taxonomic characters not originally included, such as: Stieda body flattened to nipplelike, sub-Stieda body rounded to trapezoidal, sporocyst residuum granular and membrane-bound, in addition to greater details of the micropyle, among others. Finally, the current study highlights the importance of studying the coccidians of reduncin bovids for the conservation of spp. due to the possibility of these spp. are extra-intestinal parasites, which can potentially cause severe coccidiosis associated with increased morbidity and mortality in certain threatened populations of spp.
PubMed: 38948237
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2024.100952 -
PeerJ 2024The integration of diagnostic methods holds promise for advancing the surveillance of malaria transmission in both endemic and non-endemic regions. Serological assays...
BACKGROUND
The integration of diagnostic methods holds promise for advancing the surveillance of malaria transmission in both endemic and non-endemic regions. Serological assays emerge as valuable tools to identify and delimit malaria transmission, serving as a complementary method to rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) and thick smear microscopy. Here, we evaluate the potential of antibodies directed against peptides encompassing the entire amino acid sequence of the MSP-1 Sal-I strain as viable serological biomarkers for exposure.
METHODS
We screened peptides encompassing the complete amino acid sequence of the Merozoite Surface Protein 1 (MSP-1) Sal-I strain as potential biomarkers for exposure. Here, immunodominant peptides specifically recognized by antibodies from individuals infected with were identified using the SPOT-synthesis technique followed by immunoblotting. Two 15-mer peptides were selected based on their higher and specific reactivity in immunoblotting assays. Subsequently, peptides p70 and p314 were synthesized in soluble form using SPPS (Solid Phase Peptide Synthesis) and tested by ELISA (IgG, and subclasses).
RESULTS
This study unveils the presence of IgG antibodies against the peptide p314 in most -infected individuals from the Brazilian Amazon region. B-cell epitope prediction further supports the utilization of p314 as a potential biomarker for evaluating malaria transmission, strengthened by its amino acid sequence being part of a conserved block of MSP-1. Indeed, compared to patients infected with and uninfected individuals never exposed to malaria, -infected patients have a notably higher recognition of p314 by IgG1 and IgG3.
Topics: Humans; Malaria, Vivax; Merozoite Surface Protein 1; Plasmodium vivax; Biomarkers; Antibodies, Protozoan; Immunoglobulin G; Adult; Female; Male; Middle Aged; Peptides; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Young Adult; Adolescent; Amino Acid Sequence
PubMed: 38948214
DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17632 -
Trends in Parasitology Jun 2024Gamete development is a precisely programmed process in Cryptosporidium parvum, a leading cause of diarrheal disease worldwide. Nava et al. recently described the...
Gamete development is a precisely programmed process in Cryptosporidium parvum, a leading cause of diarrheal disease worldwide. Nava et al. recently described the developmentally regulated expression of CDPK5 during male gametogenesis. Here we discuss their main findings, posing this protein kinase as a promising target for antiparasitic interventions.
PubMed: 38944561
DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2024.06.007 -
Parasites & Vectors Jun 2024Chicken coccidiosis is a protozoan disease that leads to considerable economic losses in the poultry industry. Live oocyst vaccination is currently the most effective...
Oral vaccination with a recombinant Lactobacillus plantarum expressing the Eimeria tenella rhoptry neck 2 protein elicits protective immunity in broiler chickens infected with Eimeria tenella.
BACKGROUND
Chicken coccidiosis is a protozoan disease that leads to considerable economic losses in the poultry industry. Live oocyst vaccination is currently the most effective measure for the prevention of coccidiosis. However, it provides limited protection with several drawbacks, such as poor immunological protection and potential reversion to virulence. Therefore, the development of effective and safe vaccines against chicken coccidiosis is still urgently needed.
METHODS
In this study, a novel oral vaccine against Eimeria tenella was developed by constructing a recombinant Lactobacillus plantarum (NC8) strain expressing the E. tenella RON2 protein. We administered recombinant L. plantarum orally at 3, 4 and 5 days of age and again at 17, 18 and 19 days of age. Meanwhile, each chick in the commercial vaccine group was immunized with 3 × 10 live oocysts of coccidia. A total of 5 × 10 sporulated oocysts of E. tenella were inoculated in each chicken at 30 days. Then, the immunoprotection effect was evaluated after E. tenella infection.
RESULTS
The results showed that the proportion of CD4 and CD8 T cells, the proliferative ability of spleen lymphocytes, inflammatory cytokine levels and specific antibody titers of chicks immunized with recombinant L. plantarum were significantly increased (P < 0.05). The relative body weight gains were increased and the number of oocysts per gram (OPG) was decreased after E. tenella challenge. Moreover, the lesion scores and histopathological cecum sections showed that recombinant L. plantarum can significantly relieve pathological damage in the cecum. The ACI was 170.89 in the recombinant L. plantarum group, which was higher than the 150.14 in the commercial vaccine group.
CONCLUSIONS
These above results indicate that L. plantarum expressing RON2 improved humoral and cellular immunity and enhanced immunoprotection against E. tenella. The protective efficacy was superior to that of vaccination with the commercial live oocyst vaccine. This study suggests that recombinant L. plantarum expressing the RON2 protein provides a promising strategy for vaccine development against coccidiosis.
Topics: Animals; Eimeria tenella; Chickens; Coccidiosis; Poultry Diseases; Protozoan Vaccines; Lactobacillus plantarum; Administration, Oral; Protozoan Proteins; Vaccination; Antibodies, Protozoan; Vaccines, Synthetic
PubMed: 38943202
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06355-w -
Methods in Enzymology 2024Chemoenzymatic synthesis of non-natural terpenes using the promiscuous activity of terpene synthases allows for the expansion of the chemical space of terpenoids with...
Chemoenzymatic synthesis of non-natural terpenes using the promiscuous activity of terpene synthases allows for the expansion of the chemical space of terpenoids with potentially new bioactivities. In this report, we describe protocols for the preparation of a novel aphid attractant, (S)-14,15-dimethylgermacrene D, by exploiting the promiscuity of (S)-germacrene D synthase from Solidago canadensis and using an engineered biocatalytic route to convert prenols to terpenoids. The method uses a combination of five enzymes to carry out the preparation of terpenoid semiochemicals in two steps: (1) diphosphorylation of five or six carbon precursors (prenol, isoprenol and methyl-isoprenol) catalyzed by Plasmodium falciparum choline kinase and Methanocaldococcus jannaschii isopentenyl phosphate kinase to form DMADP, IDP and methyl-IDP, and (2) chain elongation and cyclization catalyzed by Geobacillus stearothermophilus (2E,6E)-farnesyl diphosphate synthase and S. canadensis (S)-germacrene D synthase to produce (S)-germacrene D and (S)-14,15-dimethylgermacrene D. Using this method, new non-natural terpenoids are readily accessible and the approach can be adopted to produce different terpene analogs and terpenoid derivatives with potential novel applications.
Topics: Terpenes; Alkyl and Aryl Transferases; Plasmodium falciparum; Animals; Biocatalysis; Substrate Specificity; Aphids
PubMed: 38942504
DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2024.03.015 -
The Science of the Total Environment Jun 2024Arid regions harbor seasonal and permanent wetlands, as biodiversity hotspots crucial for ecosystem services despite harsh conditions. These wetlands, typically...
Arid regions harbor seasonal and permanent wetlands, as biodiversity hotspots crucial for ecosystem services despite harsh conditions. These wetlands, typically dependent on episodic intense rainfall, are understudied compared to their humid counterparts. While the diversity of plants and animals in these wetlands is well-known, the microbial communities remain largely unexplored. To address this knowledge gap, we employed metagenome sequencing technologies to profile protist communities, including pathogenic protozoa, and their associated functional pathways, in sediment of permanent and seasonal arid freshwater wetlands across northern South Africa. Results revealed a core community of protists dominated by phylum Apicomplexa (66.73 %), Euglenazoa (19.03 %), Bacillariophyta (5.44 %), Metamonada (4.65 %), Cryptophyta (1.90 %), and Amoebazoa (1.21 %). Seasonal wetlands showed significantly higher protist diversity compared to permanent wetlands (Shannon index, p = 0.019; Chao1, p = 0.0095). A high abundance and diversity of human and zoonotic pathogenic protists (87.67 %) was observed, with lower levels of photoautotrophs (6.69 %) and limited diversity of phagotrophs (5.64 %). Key photoautotrophs identified included diatoms (Thalassiosiraceae and Phaeodactylaceae) and cryptophytes (genus Hemiselmis and Cryptophyta), with consumers/phagotrophs exhibited a correlation with the bacterial community abundance (r = 0.218, p < 0.001). Pathogenic protozoans identified, include malaria-causing Plasmodium, kinetoplastids (genus Besnoita, Theilleria, Neospora, Toxoplasma, Encephalitozoon, and Babesia) and waterborne protozoans of public health importance (such as Cryptosporidium parvum and Giardia lamblia). Furthermore, the enrichment of pathogenesis-associated pathways (amino acid biosynthesis, peptidoglycan maturation, heme biosynthesis and degradation, and the Calvin-Benson-Bassham cycle), along with virulence gene families identified, highlighted these wetlands as potential reservoirs for infectious diseases. Our results unveil a baseline protist taxonomic and functional composition within arid wetlands, including beneficial and pathogenic protozoa. The close proximity of these wetlands to human activity raises concern for local and transboundary spread of these pathogens. Thus, continued monitoring is vital for disease control and preserving these unique ecosystems.
PubMed: 38942318
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174306 -
IEEE/ACM Transactions on Computational... Jun 2024Much evidence from biological theory and empirical data indicates that, gene trees, phylogenetic trees reconstructed from different genes (loci), do not have to have...
Much evidence from biological theory and empirical data indicates that, gene trees, phylogenetic trees reconstructed from different genes (loci), do not have to have exactly the same tree topologies. Such incongruence between gene trees might be caused by some "unusual" evolutionary events, such as meiotic sexual recombination in eukaryotes or horizontal transfers of genetic material in prokaryotes. However, most of the gene trees are constrained by the tree topology of the underlying species tree, that is, the phylogenetic tree depicting the evolutionary history of the set of species under consideration. In order to discover "outlying" gene trees which do not follow the "main distribution(s)" of trees, we propose to apply the "tropical metric" with the max-plus algebra from tropical geometry to a non-parametric estimation of gene trees over the space of phylogenetic trees. In this research we apply the "tropical metric," a well-defined metric over the space of phylogenetic trees under the max-plus algebra, to non-parametric estimation of gene trees distribution over the tree space. Kernel density estimator (KDE) is one of the most popular non-parametric estimation of a distribution from a given sample, and we propose an analogue of the classical KDE in the setting of tropical geometry with the tropical metric which measures the length of an intrinsic geodesic between trees over the tree space. We estimate the probability of an observed tree by empirical frequencies of nearby trees, with the level of influence determined by the tropical metric. Then, with simulated data generated from the multispecies coalescent model, we show that the non-parametric estimation of the gene tree distribution using the tropical metric performs better than one using the Billera-Holmes-Vogtmann (BHV) metric developed by Weyenberg et al. in terms of computational times and accuracy. We then apply it to Apicomplexa data.
PubMed: 38941208
DOI: 10.1109/TCBB.2024.3420815 -
Acta Parasitologica Jun 2024Nothing is known about coccidians (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the Pacific blue-tailed skink, Emoia caeruleocauda. Here, we report mensural and morphometric data on a...
PURPOSE
Nothing is known about coccidians (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the Pacific blue-tailed skink, Emoia caeruleocauda. Here, we report mensural and morphometric data on a new species of Isospora from E. caeruleocauda from Guam, US Territory.
METHODS
Feces from four E. caeruleocauda collected by hand in November 2023 were placed in individual vials containing 2.5% potassium dichromate. They were examined for sporulated oocysts after flotation in Sheather's sugar solution, measured, and photographed.
RESULTS
A single (25%) E. caeruleocauda was found to be passing oocysts representing a new species of Isospora. Oocysts of Isospora guamensis n. sp. are ellipsoidal to ovoidal with a bi-layered wall, measure (L × W) 16.5 × 11.8 μm, and have a length/width (L/W) ratio of 1.4; a micropyle and an oocyst residuum were absent but a polar granule was present. Sporocysts are ovoidal and measure 9.4 × 6.5 μm, L/W 1.4; Stieda and sub-Stieda bodies were present but a para-Stieda body was absent. The sporocyst residuum is composed various-sized granules in a compact rounded or irregular mass, sometimes dispersed between the sporozoites. The new species can be differentiated from all other isosporans from skinks by possessing the smallest oocysts known from this host family.
CONCLUSION
This is the first time an isosporan coccidian has been reported from E. caeruleocauda as well as the first report of a coccidian from a Guam-inhabiting skink.
PubMed: 38940982
DOI: 10.1007/s11686-024-00860-9 -
Veterinary Medicine and Science Jul 2024Toxoplasma gondii is a widely prevalent zoonotic protozoan parasite in humans and warm-blooded animals worldwide. Infection of humans by this parasite can result in...
BACKGROUND
Toxoplasma gondii is a widely prevalent zoonotic protozoan parasite in humans and warm-blooded animals worldwide. Infection of humans by this parasite can result in severe clinical symptoms, particularly in individuals with congenital toxoplasmosis or immunocompromised patients. Contamination mainly occurs through foodborne routes, especially the consumption of raw or undercooked meat from animals.
OBJECTIVES
The aim of this study was to use PCR to detect T. gondii in tissues and organs of buffaloes and cattle slaughtered at Tabriz slaughterhouse, in Iran.
METHODS
Fifty grams of heart, thigh, diaphragm and tongue from 50 buffaloes and 100 cattle slaughtered at the Tabriz industrial slaughterhouse were selected for sampling using a combination of convenience sampling. The samples were tested using a previously published PCR method.
RESULTS
Out of the 150 animal samples, T. gondii was detected in 10 (6.7%, 95%CI: 3.2-11.9), including one buffalo (2%, 95%CI: 0.1-10.6) and nine cattle (9%, 95%CI: 4.2-16.4). There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of T. gondii infection among cattle based on age and sex (p > 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
The results indicated a potential risk of T. gondii transmission to humans through the consumption of infected meat. Therefore, appropriate and effective preventive measures should be taken to limit the transmission of this parasite to humans, and the consumption of raw and undercooked meat should be discouraged.
Topics: Animals; Buffaloes; Iran; Cattle; Toxoplasmosis, Animal; Abattoirs; Toxoplasma; Cattle Diseases; Female; Male; Prevalence; Polymerase Chain Reaction
PubMed: 38940227
DOI: 10.1002/vms3.1511