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Scientific Reports Mar 2024The interspecific transmission of pathogens can occur frequently in the environment. Among wild bees, the main spillover cases are caused by pathogens associated with...
The interspecific transmission of pathogens can occur frequently in the environment. Among wild bees, the main spillover cases are caused by pathogens associated with Apis mellifera, whose colonies can act as reservoirs. Due to the limited availability of data in Italy, it is challenging to accurately assess the impact and implications of this phenomenon on the wild bee populations. In this study, a total of 3372 bees were sampled from 11 Italian regions within the BeeNet project, evaluating the prevalence and the abundance of the major honey bee pathogens (DWV, BQCV, ABPV, CBPV, KBV, Nosema ceranae, Ascosphaera apis, Crithidia mellificae, Lotmaria passim, Crithidia bombi). The 68.4% of samples were positive for at least one pathogen. DWV, BQCV, N. ceranae and CBPV showed the highest prevalence and abundance values, confirming them as the most prevalent pathogens spread in the environment. For these pathogens, Andrena, Bombus, Eucera and Seladonia showed the highest mean prevalence and abundance values. Generally, time trends showed a prevalence and abundance decrease from April to July. In order to predict the risk of infection among wild bees, statistical models were developed. A low influence of apiary density on pathogen occurrence was observed, while meteorological conditions and agricultural management showed a greater impact on pathogen persistence in the environment. Social and biological traits of wild bees also contributed to defining a higher risk of infection for bivoltine, communal, mining and oligolectic bees. Out of all the samples tested, 40.5% were co-infected with two or more pathogens. In some cases, individuals were simultaneously infected with up to five different pathogens. It is essential to increase knowledge about the transmission of pathogens among wild bees to understand dynamics, impact and effects on pollinator populations. Implementing concrete plans for the conservation of wild bee species is important to ensure the health of wild and human-managed bees within a One-Health perspective.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Bees; Social Factors; Trypanosomatina; Crithidia; Nosema; Onygenales; Italy
PubMed: 38429345
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55718-x -
PLoS Biology Feb 2024During host cell invasion, microsporidian spores translocate their entire cytoplasmic content through a thin, hollow superstructure known as the polar tube. To achieve...
During host cell invasion, microsporidian spores translocate their entire cytoplasmic content through a thin, hollow superstructure known as the polar tube. To achieve this, the polar tube transitions from a compact spring-like state inside the environmental spore to a long needle-like tube capable of long-range sporoplasm delivery. The unique mechanical properties of the building blocks of the polar tube allow for an explosive transition from compact to extended state and support the rapid cargo translocation process. The molecular and structural factors enabling this ultrafast process and the structural changes during cargo delivery are unknown. Here, we employ light microscopy and in situ cryo-electron tomography to visualize multiple ultrastructural states of the Vairimorpha necatrix polar tube, allowing us to evaluate the kinetics of its germination and characterize the underlying morphological transitions. We describe a cargo-filled state with a unique ordered arrangement of microsporidian ribosomes, which cluster along the thin tube wall, and an empty post-translocation state with a reduced diameter but a thicker wall. Together with a proteomic analysis of endogenously affinity-purified polar tubes, our work provides comprehensive data on the infection apparatus of microsporidia and uncovers new aspects of ribosome regulation and transport.
Topics: Proteomics; Spores, Fungal; Microsporidia; Ribosomes; Electron Microscope Tomography
PubMed: 38422169
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002533 -
Scientific Reports Feb 2024The microsporidian Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP) is a major threat to shrimp health worldwide. Severe EHP infections in shrimp cause growth retardation and increase...
The microsporidian Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP) is a major threat to shrimp health worldwide. Severe EHP infections in shrimp cause growth retardation and increase susceptibility to opportunistic infections. EHP produces spores with a chitin wall that enables them to survive prolonged environmental exposure. Previous studies showed that polar tube extrusion is a prerequisite for EHP infection, such that inhibiting extrusion should prevent infection. Using a proteomic approach, polar tube protein 2 of EHP (EhPTP2) was found abundantly in protein extracts obtained from extruded spores. Using an immunofluorescent antibody against EhPTP2 for immunohistochemistry, extruded spores were found in the shrimp hepatopancreas (HP) and intestine, but not in the stomach. We hypothesized that presence of EhPTP2 might be required for successful EHP spore extrusion. To test this hypothesis, we injected EhPTP2-specific double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) and found that it significantly diminished EHP copy numbers in infected shrimp. This indicated reduced amplification of EHP-infected cells in the HP by spores released from previously infected cells. In addition, injection of the dsRNA into EHP-infected shrimp prior to their use in cohabitation with naïve shrimp significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the rate of EHP transmission to naïve shrimp. The results revealed that EhPTP2 plays a crucial role in the life cycle of EHP and that dsRNA targeting EHP mRNA can effectively reach the parasite developing in host cells. This approach is a model for future investigations to identify critical genes for EHP survival and spread as potential targets for preventative and therapeutic measures in shrimp.
Topics: Animals; Microsporidia; Parasites; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Proteomics; RNA, Double-Stranded; Penaeidae; Enterocytozoon
PubMed: 38413745
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55400-2 -
Emerging Infectious Diseases Mar 2024We report a case of Enterocytozoon bieneusi infection in a pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipient in Argentina. Spores were visualized in feces using...
We report a case of Enterocytozoon bieneusi infection in a pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipient in Argentina. Spores were visualized in feces using Calcofluor White and modified trichrome stainings. PCR and sequencing identified E. bieneusi genotype D in fecal samples and liver samples, confirming extraintestinal dissemination of the parasite.
Topics: Humans; Child; Argentina; Enterocytozoon; Transplant Recipients; Feces; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
PubMed: 38407164
DOI: 10.3201/eid3003.231580 -
Parasitology International Jun 2024Blastocystis sp., Enterocytozoon bieneusi, and Giardia duodenalis are three common zoonotic intestinal parasites, and cattle are important hosts of these three...
Blastocystis sp., Enterocytozoon bieneusi, and Giardia duodenalis are three common zoonotic intestinal parasites, and cattle are important hosts of these three intestinal protozoa. In this study, 1632 fecal samples were collected from dairy farms in Heilongjiang Province, China, and screened for Blastocystis sp., E. bieneusi, and G. duodenalis using polymerase chain reaction. Of these, 149 (9.13%) were positive for three zoonotic pathogens, including 104 (6.40%), 22 (1.35%), and 23 (1.41%) for Blastocystis sp., E. bieneusi, and G. duodenalis, respectively. Based on partial SSU rRNA gene sequencing analysis, 104 positive samples of Blastocystis sp. were found, and a total of nine known subtypes were identified, including ST10 (61), ST3 (18), ST14 (6), ST26 (7), ST24 (3), ST25 (2), ST1 (2), ST5 (2), and ST21 (1). Among these, three subtypes (ST1, ST3, and ST5) were recognized as zoonotic subtypes, and two subtypes (ST10 and ST14) were specific to animals. All 23 Giardia duodenalis-positive samples belonged to assemblage E (n = 23) based on sequenced beta-giardin (bg) and triosephosphate isomerase (tpi) genes. Three known genotypes of E. bieneusi, namely J (n = 9), I (n = 6), and BEB4 (n = 7), were identified by sequence analysis of the internal transcriptional spacer region gene. Our study provides basic data for prevention and control in Heilongjiang Province; however, further research is required to better understand the prevalence and public health significance of these pathogens in the Heilongjiang region.
Topics: Animals; Cattle; Giardia lamblia; Giardiasis; Enterocytozoon; Microsporidiosis; China; Genotype; Feces; Prevalence; Cryptosporidium
PubMed: 38403046
DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2024.102871 -
ELife Feb 2024Microsporidia are eukaryotic, obligate intracellular parasites that infect a wide range of hosts, leading to health and economic burdens worldwide. Microsporidia use an...
Microsporidia are eukaryotic, obligate intracellular parasites that infect a wide range of hosts, leading to health and economic burdens worldwide. Microsporidia use an unusual invasion organelle called the polar tube (PT), which is ejected from a dormant spore at ultra-fast speeds, to infect host cells. The mechanics of PT ejection are impressive. microsporidia spores (3-4 μm in size) shoot out a 100-nm-wide PT at a speed of 300 μm/s, creating a shear rate of 3000 s. The infectious cargo, which contains two nuclei, is shot through this narrow tube for a distance of ∼60-140 μm (Jaroenlak et al, 2020) and into the host cell. Considering the large hydraulic resistance in an extremely thin tube and the low-Reynolds-number nature of the process, it is not known how microsporidia can achieve this ultrafast event. In this study, we use Serial Block-Face Scanning Electron Microscopy to capture 3-dimensional snapshots of spores in different states of the PT ejection process. Grounded in these data, we propose a theoretical framework starting with a systematic exploration of possible topological connectivity amongst organelles, and assess the energy requirements of the resulting models. We perform PT firing experiments in media of varying viscosity, and use the results to rank our proposed hypotheses based on their predicted energy requirement. We also present a possible mechanism for cargo translocation, and quantitatively compare our predictions to experimental observations. Our study provides a comprehensive biophysical analysis of the energy dissipation of microsporidian infection process and demonstrates the extreme limits of cellular hydraulics.
Topics: Anatomy, Regional; Biophysics; Cell Nucleus
PubMed: 38381133
DOI: 10.7554/eLife.86638 -
Scientific Reports Feb 2024Infectious and parasitic agents (IPAs) and their associated diseases are major environmental stressors that jeopardize bee health, both alone and in interaction with...
Infectious and parasitic agents (IPAs) and their associated diseases are major environmental stressors that jeopardize bee health, both alone and in interaction with other stressors. Their impact on pollinator communities can be assessed by studying multiple sentinel bee species. Here, we analysed the field exposure of three sentinel managed bee species (Apis mellifera, Bombus terrestris and Osmia bicornis) to 11 IPAs (six RNA viruses, two bacteria, three microsporidia). The sentinel bees were deployed at 128 sites in eight European countries adjacent to either oilseed rape fields or apple orchards during crop bloom. Adult bees of each species were sampled before their placement and after crop bloom. The IPAs were detected and quantified using a harmonised, high-throughput and semi-automatized qPCR workflow. We describe differences among bee species in IPA profiles (richness, diversity, detection frequencies, loads and their change upon field exposure, and exposure risk), with no clear patterns related to the country or focal crop. Our results suggest that the most frequent IPAs in adult bees are more appropriate for assessing the bees' IPA exposure risk. We also report positive correlations of IPA loads supporting the potential IPA transmission among sentinels, suggesting careful consideration should be taken when introducing managed pollinators in ecologically sensitive environments.
Topics: Bees; Animals; Bacteria; Europe; Pollination
PubMed: 38347035
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53357-w -
Parasite (Paris, France) 2024Enterocytozoon bieneusi is one of the most important zoonotic pathogens. In this study, we present a systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence of human E.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Enterocytozoon bieneusi is one of the most important zoonotic pathogens. In this study, we present a systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence of human E. bieneusi infection in endemic regions and analyze the various potential risk factors. A total of 75 studies were included. Among 31,644 individuals tested, 2,291 (6.59%) were E. bieneusi-positive. The highest prevalence of E. bieneusi in the male population was 5.50%. The prevalence of E. bieneusi in different age groups was varied, with 10.97% in teenagers. The prevalence of E. bieneusi in asymptomatic patients (6.49%) is significantly lower than that in HIV-infected patients (11.49%), and in patients with diarrheal symptoms (16.45%). Rural areas had a higher rate (7.58%) than urban ones. The prevalence of E. bieneusi in humans was the highest (6.42%) at altitudes <10 m. Moreover, the temperate zone marine climate (13.55%) had the highest prevalence. A total of 69 genotypes of E. bieneusi have been found in humans. This is the first global study regarding E. bieneusi prevalence in humans. Not only people with low immunity (such as the elderly, children, people with HIV, etc.), but also people in Europe in temperate marine climates should exercise caution to prevent infection with E. bieneusi during contact process with animals.
Topics: Animals; Child; Adolescent; Humans; Male; Aged; Enterocytozoon; Prevalence; Microsporidiosis; Phylogeny; Risk Factors; Genotype; HIV Infections; China; Feces; Zoonoses
PubMed: 38345479
DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2024007 -
BMC Veterinary Research Feb 2024Enterocytozoon bieneusi is a zoonotic pathogen widely distributed in animals and humans. It can cause diarrhea and even death in immunocompromised hosts. Approximately...
BACKGROUND
Enterocytozoon bieneusi is a zoonotic pathogen widely distributed in animals and humans. It can cause diarrhea and even death in immunocompromised hosts. Approximately 800 internal transcribed spacer (ITS) genotypes have been identified in E. bieneusi. Farmed foxes and raccoon dogs are closely associated to humans and might be the reservoir of E. bieneusi which is known to have zoonotic potential. However, there are only a few studies about E. bieneusi genotype identification and epidemiological survey in foxes and raccoon dogs in Henan and Hebei province. Thus, the present study investigated the infection rates and genotypes of E. bieneusi in farmed foxes and raccoon dogs in the Henan and Hebei provinces.
RESULT
A total of 704 and 884 fecal specimens were collected from foxes and raccoon dogs, respectively. Nested PCR was conducted based on ITS of ribosomal RNA (rRNA), and then multilocus sequence typing (MLST) was conducted to analyze the genotypes. The result showed that infection rates of E. bieneusi in foxes and raccoon dogs were 18.32% and 5.54%, respectively. Ten E. bieneusi genotypes with zoonotic potential (NCF2, NCF3, D, EbpC, CHN-DC1, SCF2, CHN-F1, Type IV, BEB4, and BEB6) were identified in foxes and raccoon dogs. Totally 178 ITS-positive DNA specimens were identified from foxes and raccoon dogs and these specimens were then subjected to MLST analysis. In the MLST analysis, 12, 2, 7 and 8 genotypes were identified in at the mini-/ micro-satellite loci MS1, MS3, MS4 and MS7, respectively. A total of 14 multilocus genotypes were generated using ClustalX 2.1 software. Overall, the present study evaluated the infection of E. bieneusi in foxes and raccoon dogs in the Henan and Hebei province, and investigated the zoonotic potential of the E. bieneusi in foxes and raccoon dogs.
CONCLUSIONS
These findings expand the geographic distribution information of E. bieneusi' host in China and was helpful in preventing against the infection of E. bieneusi with zoonotic potential in foxes and raccoon dogs.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Multilocus Sequence Typing; Enterocytozoon; Foxes; Raccoon Dogs; Molecular Epidemiology; Microsporidiosis; Feces; Prevalence; Phylogeny; China; Genotype
PubMed: 38341563
DOI: 10.1186/s12917-024-03883-6 -
Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland) Feb 2024spp., and are species of protozoa- causing diarrhoea that are common worldwide, while , and sp. appear to be commensal parasites whose role in pathogenicity remains...
spp., and are species of protozoa- causing diarrhoea that are common worldwide, while , and sp. appear to be commensal parasites whose role in pathogenicity remains controversial. We conducted the clinical evaluation of five singleplex and one duplex CerTest VIASURE Real-Time PCR Assays against a large panel of positive DNA samples ( = 358), and specifically to spp. ( = 96), ( = 115), ( = 25) ( = 11), sp. ( = 42), ( = 37), and related parasitic phylum species such as Apicomplexa, Euglenozoa, Microsporidia and Nematoda. DNA samples were obtained from clinical stool specimens or cultured isolates in a national reference centre. Estimated diagnostic sensitivity and specificity values were 0.94-1 for spp., 0.96-0.99 for , 0.96-1 for , 1-1 for , and 1-0.99 for in the evaluated singleplex assays. In the duplex assay for the simultaneous detection of sp. and these values were 1-0.98 and 1-0.99, respectively. Measures of diagnostic precision for repeatability and reproducibility were found to be under acceptable ranges. The assays identified six species (, , , , , and ), four assemblages (A, B, C, and F), and six subtypes (ST1-ST5, and ST8). The evaluated singleplex and duplex VIASURE Real-Time PCR assays provide sensitive, practical, and cost-effective choices to the molecular diagnosis of the main diarrhoea-causing intestinal protists in clinical microbiology and research laboratories.
PubMed: 38337835
DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14030319