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International Journal For Parasitology.... Aug 2024Intestinal protozoa, which can be asymptomatic or cause diarrhea, dysentery and even death, are among the main agents that affect nonhuman primates (NHPs) kept under...
Intestinal protozoa, which can be asymptomatic or cause diarrhea, dysentery and even death, are among the main agents that affect nonhuman primates (NHPs) kept under human care. Nevertheless, information on the molecular and morphometric profiles of parabasilids in the Neotropics is still scarce. In this context, the objective of this study was to isolate the Parabasalia protozoa detected in the feces of NHPs and their keepers in Pavlova and TYSGM9 media and to characterize the isolates by molecular biology and morphometry. Fecal samples from NHPs from five Brazilian institutions were analyzed. Direct examination was performed immediately after obtaining the samples. A total of 511 fecal samples from NHPs were collected, and 10.6% contained parabasilids. Regarding the handlers, of the 74 samples analyzed, three were positive. In vitro-generated parabasilid isolates were successfully obtained from all positive samples, as identified via microscopy. Isolates of the parasite were obtained both from New World NHPs, including the genera , , , , , , and and from the Old World primate . Forty-nine NHP isolates were molecularly identified: (16), (14), (13) and (6). The human isolates were identified as sp. (2) and (1). Visualization and morphometric analysis revealed trophozoites with piriform or rounded shapes that presented variable measurements. The isolates previously characterized as had up to five free flagella, while and sp. had up to four free flagella, and had a maximum of three free flagella. These morphometric characteristics corroborated the molecular identification. In general, a variety of parabasilids were observed to infect NHPs, and was isolated from biological samples from both NHPs and their keepers, a finding that reinforces the susceptibility of these hosts to infections by parabasilids in Brazil.
PubMed: 38827824
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2024.100946 -
Microorganisms May 2024Multiple microbial detections in stool samples of indigenous individuals suffering from chronic gastroenteric disorder of a likely infectious origin, characterized by...
Collider Bias Assessment in Colombian Indigenous Wiwa and Kogui Populations with Chronic Gastroenteric Disorder of Likely Infectious Etiology Suggests Complex Microbial Interactions Rather Than Clear Assignments of Etiological Relevance.
Multiple microbial detections in stool samples of indigenous individuals suffering from chronic gastroenteric disorder of a likely infectious origin, characterized by recurring diarrhea of variable intensity, in the rural north-east of Colombia are common findings, making the assignment of etiological relevance to individual pathogens challenging. In a population of 773 indigenous people from either the tribe Wiwa or Kogui, collider bias analysis was conducted comprising 32 assessed microorganisms including 10 bacteria ( spp., spp., enteroaggregative (EAEC), enteropathogenic (EPEC), enterotoxigenic (ETEC), spp., Shiga toxin-producing (STEC), spp./enteroinvasive (EIEC), and spp.), 11 protozoa ( spp., spp., spp., , , /// complex, , , , and ), 8 helminths ( spp., , spp., , spp., spp., spp. and spp.), microsporidia ( spp.) and fungal elements (microscopically observed conidia and pseudoconidia). The main results indicated that negative associations potentially pointing towards collider bias were infrequent events (n = 14), while positive associations indicating increased likelihood of co-occurrence of microorganisms quantitatively dominated (n = 88). Microorganisms showing the most frequent negative associations were EPEC (n = 6) and spp. (n = 3), while positive associations were most common for spp. (n = 16), (n = 15), spp./EIEC (n = 12), spp. (n = 11) and spp. (n = 10). Of note, positive associations quantitively dominated for spp. In conclusion, collider bias assessment did not allow clear-cut assignment of etiological relevance for detected enteric microorganisms within the assessed Colombian indigenous population. Instead, the results suggested complex microbial interactions with potential summative effects. Future studies applying alternative biostatistical approaches should be considered to further delineate respective interactions.
PubMed: 38792799
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12050970 -
Veterinary Sciences May 2024Several trichomonad species have already been identified in pigs, and their pathogenic potential may not be ruled out. To date, however, no information is available...
Several trichomonad species have already been identified in pigs, and their pathogenic potential may not be ruled out. To date, however, no information is available regarding the prevalence of trichomonads in pigs in Shanxi Province, North China. In the present study, a total of 362 fecal samples collected from pigs in three representative counties (Qi, Jishan, and Shanyin) in this province were examined for , , and using a nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with primers targeting the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene. The overall prevalence of was 49.72%, and region and age were found to be significantly associated with infection, respectively. Only one pig fecal sample from Qi County was found to be positive for , and all samples were negative for . Molecular evolutionary analysis revealed that some isolates showed complete genetic identity with those reported previously, and some isolates and one isolate showed minor allelic variations compared with those reported previously. This is the report of the molecular epidemiology of and in pigs in Shanxi Province, North China. These findings not only enrich the knowledge on the distribution of these trichomonad species in pigs in China but also provide baseline information for planning future research and control strategies.
PubMed: 38787175
DOI: 10.3390/vetsci11050203 -
Parasite (Paris, France) 2024Trichomonads are protozoan symbionts with the capacity to infect vertebrates including humans and non-human primates (NHPs), sometimes with pathogenic effects. However,...
Trichomonads are protozoan symbionts with the capacity to infect vertebrates including humans and non-human primates (NHPs), sometimes with pathogenic effects. However, their diversity and prevalence in NHPs in China are poorly understood. A total of 533 fecal samples were collected from captive NHPs in Yunnan Province, China, of which 461 samples from Macaca fascicularis and 72 from Macaca mulatta. Trichomonadidae species were identified using PCR amplification of the ITS-1/5.8S/ITS-2 sequences. The overall prevalence of trichomonads in NHPs was determined to be 11.4% (61/533), with gender, diarrhea, and region identified as potential risk factors for the infections. Sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis identified three species of trichomonads, i.e., Trichomitopsis minor (n = 45), Pentatrichomonas hominis (n = 11), and Tetratrichomonas sp. (n = 5). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report Trichomitopsis minor infection in NHPs in China. Of note, Pentatrichomonas hominis is generally recognized as a parasitic organism affecting humans. Collectively, our results suggest that NHPs are potential sources of zoonotic trichomonad infections, highlighting the importance of surveillance and control measures to protect human and animal populations.
Topics: Animals; China; Phylogeny; Prevalence; Primates; Intestines; Trichomonas; Zoonoses
PubMed: 38530212
DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2024018 -
Parasite (Paris, France) 2024Pentatrichomonas hominis, a flagellated parasitic protozoan, predominantly infects the mammalian digestive tract, often causing symptoms such as abdominal pain and...
Pentatrichomonas hominis, a flagellated parasitic protozoan, predominantly infects the mammalian digestive tract, often causing symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea. However, studies investigating its pathogenicity are limited, and the mechanisms underlying P. hominis-induced diarrhea remain unclear. Establishing an in vitro cell model for P. hominis infection is imperative. This study investigated the interaction between P. hominis and IPEC-J2 cells and its impact on parasite growth, adhesion, morphology, and cell viability. Co-cultivation of P. hominis with IPEC-J2 cells resulted in exponential growth of the parasite, with peak densities reaching approximately 4.8 × 10 cells/mL and 1.2 × 10 cells/mL at 48 h for initial inoculation concentrations of 10 cells/mL and 10 cells/mL, respectively. The adhesion rate of P. hominis to IPEC-J2 cells reached a maximum of 93.82% and 86.57% at 24 h for initial inoculation concentrations of 10 cells/mL and 10 cells/mL, respectively. Morphological changes in IPEC-J2 cells co-cultivated with P. hominis were observed, manifesting as elongated and irregular shapes. The viability of IPEC-J2 cells exhibited a decreasing trend with increasing P. hominis concentration and co-cultivation time. Additionally, the mRNA expression levels of IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α were upregulated, whereas those of CAT and CuZn-SOD were downregulated. These findings provide quantitative evidence that P. hominis can promote its growth by adhering to IPEC-J2 cells, inducing morphological changes, reducing cell viability, and triggering inflammatory responses. Further in vivo studies are warranted to confirm these results and enhance our understanding of P. hominis infection.
Topics: Animals; Trichomonas; Cell Proliferation; Abdominal Pain; Diarrhea; Gene Expression; Mammals
PubMed: 38530211
DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2024014 -
Current Issues in Molecular Biology Nov 2023is a trichomonad protozoan that infects the cecum and colon of humans and other mammals. It is a zoonotic pathogen that causes diarrhea in both animals and humans. As...
is a trichomonad protozoan that infects the cecum and colon of humans and other mammals. It is a zoonotic pathogen that causes diarrhea in both animals and humans. As companion animals, dogs infected with pose a risk of transmitting it to humans. Current methods, such as direct smears and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), used for detection have limitations, including low detection rates and the need for specialized equipment. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop rapid, sensitive, and simple detection methods for clinical application. Recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) has emerged as a technology for rapid pathogen detection. In this study, we developed a lateral flow dipstick (LFD)-RPA method based on the highly conserved gene for detecting infection by optimizing the primers, probes, and reaction conditions, and evaluating cross-reactivity with genomes of and other parasites. The LFD-RPA method was then used to test 128 dog fecal samples collected from Changchun. The results confirmed the high specificity of the method with no cross-reactivity with the five other parasites. The lowest detection limit of the method was 10 copies/µL, and its sensitivity was 10 times higher than that of the conventional PCR method. Consistent with the positivity rate observed using nested PCR, 12 samples (out of 128) tested positive using this method (positivity rate, 9.38%). In conclusion, the LFD-RPA method developed in this study represents a simple and sensitive assay that allows for the rapid detection of infection in dogs, especially in this field.
PubMed: 37998756
DOI: 10.3390/cimb45110579 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Feb 2023Protozoa, in both humans and animals, are one of the leading causes of disease. International programmes introduced in many countries have helped reduce the incidence of...
Protozoa, in both humans and animals, are one of the leading causes of disease. International programmes introduced in many countries have helped reduce the incidence of disease. However, it has recently become increasingly difficult to achieve the goals set for the coming years. One of the main reasons for this, as with other pathogenic organisms, such as bacteria and fungi, is the increasing resistance to current methods of treating and preventing infection. Therefore, new therapies with high efficacy are needed. In the present study, the novel mixtures of essential oils (EOs), clove, garlic, Ceylon cinnamon, and rosemary with organic acids (acetic, propionic, lactic) and metal ions (Cu, Mn, Zn) were tested against five selected model protozoa (, , , , ). The cytotoxicity and potential anticancer activity of the obtained combinations were tested on the human fibroblasts (NHDF) and human cancer cell lines (A549, MCF7, LoVo, HT29). All of the mixtures showed very good antiprotozoal properties. The most efficient were the combination of clove and rosemary essential oils, mixtures of acids, and Mn ions. The LD values were in the range of 0.001-0.006% and the LD values were 0.002-0.008%. All of the tested mixtures did not show cytotoxicity against normal cells, but did show growth inhibition against cancer cell lines. The most cytotoxic against cancer cells were combinations with cinnamon essential oil. Nevertheless, the proposed combinations containing essential oils, organic acids, and metal ions have high antiprotozoal activity, with low toxicity to healthy human cells.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Oils, Volatile; Monoterpenes; Antiprotozoal Agents; Cinnamomum zeylanicum
PubMed: 36771061
DOI: 10.3390/molecules28031395 -
Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland) Oct 2022spp., , , , , and are enteric protozoan parasites and fungal species in humans and animals. Père David's deer is an endangered species in China, but the prevalence of...
spp., , , , , and are enteric protozoan parasites and fungal species in humans and animals. Père David's deer is an endangered species in China, but the prevalence of enteric protozoans in this species still needs to be further studied. Thus, we investigated the prevalence and genetic diversity of zoonotic parasites in Père David's deer during the period of 2018-2021. Among the 286 fecal samples collected from Père David's deer in the Nanhaizi Nature Reserve, 83 (29.0%) were positive for , 70 (24.5%) were positive for , while other protozoan parasites were negative. Based on a phylogenetic analysis, three subtypes (ST10, ST14, and ST21) and ten genotypes (Genotype D, MWC_d1, HLJD-V, Peru6, BEB6, BJED-I to BJED-I V) were identified. In addition, the subtype ST14 and the genotype D and Peru6 were first detected in Père David's deer. Our study first reports the presence of two enteric protozoans in Père David's deer during a 4-year active surveillance and provides more information about zoonotic subtypes/genotypes of and in deer.
PubMed: 36364973
DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11111223 -
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection... 2022is a parasitic trichomonads protozoa that parasitizes in the colon and cecum of humans and other animals. Our previous studies have demonstrated that infection with is...
is a parasitic trichomonads protozoa that parasitizes in the colon and cecum of humans and other animals. Our previous studies have demonstrated that infection with is associated with the incidence of colon cancer (37.93%). However, the mechanism by which infections increase the incidence of colon cancer remains unclear. Previous studies have suggested that certain parasites promote colon cancer by regulating gut microbiota. This study aimed to elucidate whether the association between infections and the increased incidence of colon cancer is related to changes in gut microbiota. Therefore, the gut microbiota patients with colon cancer who were infected with and uninfected patients with colon cancer were analyzed by 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing. The results demonstrated that patients with colon cancer who were not infected with showed increased gut bacterial diversity, a higher relative abundance of sp., sp., sp., , and a significant reduction in the abundance of sp., compared to individuals without colon cancer. Additionally, the relative abundance of the and the groups was reduced, while the relative abundance of bacteria associated with colon cancer, including sp., sp., and the group, increased significantly in patients with colon cancer who were infected with , compared to those of uninfected patients with colon cancer. In conclusion, these results suggested that infections may aggravate the development of colon cancer and the findings provide new insights for subsequent in-depth studies on the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and prevention of colon cancer.
Topics: Animals; Bacteria; Colonic Neoplasms; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Humans; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S
PubMed: 36118043
DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.961974 -
Journal of Parasitic Diseases :... Sep 2022() is a large intestinal flagellated protozoan infecting humans. Little is known about the epidemiology of in Egypt, its association with gastrointestinal symptoms and...
() is a large intestinal flagellated protozoan infecting humans. Little is known about the epidemiology of in Egypt, its association with gastrointestinal symptoms and the co-infection with other parasites. Demographic and clinical data were collected from 180 school-aged children. Parasitological examination of fecal samples was done using direct wet mount, formalin ethyl-acetate, Kato-Katz and cultivation on Jones' medium to detect and associated parasitic infection. The diagnosis of was confirmed using Giemsa stain and scanning electron microscopy. The prevalence of was 13.8% (25 out of 180 children). The prevalence of parasitic co-infection was significantly higher in infected (84%, 21 participants) than in non-infected children (56%, 87 participants). The presence of abdominal pain and diarrhea in infected children was higher than in non-infected children (84% and 32% vs. 76% and 18%), respectively. The difference was not statistically significant. This is the first report of in Egypt. The significant association between and other intestinal parasites need more investigations. Further studies are needed to understand the epidemiology and pathogenicity of .
PubMed: 36091265
DOI: 10.1007/s12639-022-01506-1