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European Journal of Protistology Oct 2016Introduction of alien species into new areas can have detrimental effects on native ecosystems and impact the native species. The present study aims to identify coccidia...
Introduction of alien species into new areas can have detrimental effects on native ecosystems and impact the native species. The present study aims to identify coccidia infecting native and introduced squirrels in Italy, to gain insight into possible transmission patterns and role of monoxenous coccidia in mediating the competition between alien and native hosts. We collected 540 faecal samples of native red squirrels, Sciurus vulgaris, invasive alien grey squirrels, S. carolinensis, and introduced Pallas's squirrels, Callosciurus erythraeus. Total prevalence of Eimeria spp. was 95.6% in S. vulgaris, 95.7% in S. carolinensis and only 4.1% in C. erythraeus. Morphological examination revealed 3 Eimeria morphotypes. Phylogenetic analyses of Eimeria DNA based on 18S, ITS, cox I markers displayed fairly distinct monophyletic clades in the microscopically indistinguishable E2 morphotype, proving indisputable distinction between the isolates from red and grey squirrels. Grey squirrels successfully introduced E. lancasterensis from their native range, but this species does not spill over to native red squirrels. Similarly, there is no evidence for the transmission of E. sciurorum from red to grey squirrels. The possible transmission and the potential role of monoxenous coccidia in mediating the competition between native and invasive squirrels in Italy were not confirmed.
Topics: Animals; Biodiversity; Coccidia; Coccidiosis; Feces; Host Specificity; Introduced Species; Italy; Prevalence; Sciuridae
PubMed: 27268408
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejop.2016.04.008 -
The Journal of the American Osteopathic... Oct 1997Ubiquitous in nature, members of the Coccidia and Microsporida are being reported with increasing frequency in the immunocompromised as well as the immunocompetent... (Review)
Review
Ubiquitous in nature, members of the Coccidia and Microsporida are being reported with increasing frequency in the immunocompromised as well as the immunocompetent population. These protozoans are primarily waterborne, but foodborne disease has also been reported. These organisms are responsible for acute, as well as protracted, cases of watery diarrhea with various other related sequelae. The Coccidia includes three genera--Cryptospridium, Isospora, and Cyclospora. The latter two are of lesser importance in terms of morbidity and mortality. The Microsporida includes genera (Enterocytozoon, Encephalitozoon) only recently recognized as important agents of disease. Unlike the Coccidia, these organisms are more restricted to the immunocompromised population. Increased incidence and numbers of patients with prolonged diarrhea due to these forms indicate the need for increased clinical vigilance with regard to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
Topics: Animals; Clinical Trials as Topic; Coccidiosis; Eucoccidiida; Humans; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic; Microsporida; Protozoan Infections; Risk Factors
PubMed: 9357233
DOI: 10.7556/jaoa.1997.97.10.593 -
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection... 2022In the age of big data an important question is how to ensure we make the most out of the resources we generate. In this review, we discuss the major methods used in... (Review)
Review
In the age of big data an important question is how to ensure we make the most out of the resources we generate. In this review, we discuss the major methods used in Apicomplexan and Kinetoplastid research to produce big datasets and advance our understanding of and biology. We debate the benefits and limitations of the current technologies, and propose future advancements that may be key to improving our use of these techniques. Finally, we consider the difficulties the field faces when trying to make the most of the abundance of data that has already been, and will continue to be, generated.
Topics: Big Data; Cryptosporidiosis; Cryptosporidium; Humans; Plasmodium; Toxoplasma
PubMed: 35734575
DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.900878 -
Parasites & Vectors Sep 2023Coccidiosis caused by Eimeria zuernii (Eimeriidae: Coccidia) represents a significant economic threat to the bovine industry. Understanding the evolutionary and genetic...
BACKGROUND
Coccidiosis caused by Eimeria zuernii (Eimeriidae: Coccidia) represents a significant economic threat to the bovine industry. Understanding the evolutionary and genetic biology of E. zuernii can assist in new interaction developments for the prevention and control of this protozoosis.
METHODS
We defined the evolutionary and genetic characteristics of E. zuernii by sequencing the complete mitogenome and analyzing the genetic diversity and population structure of 51 isolates collected from eight yak breeding parks in China.
RESULTS
The 6176-bp mitogenome of E. zuernii was linear and encoded typical mitochondrial contents of apicomplexan parasites, including three protein-coding genes [PCGs; cytochrome c oxidase subunits I and III (cox1 and cox3), and cytochrome b (cytb)], seven fragmented small subunit (SSU) and 12 fragmented large subunit (LSU) rRNAs. Genome-wide comparative and evolutionary analyses showed cytb and cox3 to be the most and least conserved Eimeria PCGs, respectively, and placed E. zuernii more closely related to Eimeria mephitidis than other Eimeria species. Furthermore, cox1-based genetic structure defined 24 haplotypes of E. zuernii with high haplotype diversities and low nucleotide diversities across eight geographic populations, supporting a low genetic structure and rapid evolutionary rate as well as a previous expansion event among E. zuernii populations.
CONCLUSIONS
To our knowledge, this is the first study presenting the phylogeny, genetic diversity, and population structure of the yak E. zuernii, and such information, together with its mitogenomic data, should contribute to a better understanding of the genetic and evolutionary biological studies of apicomplexan parasites in bovines.
Topics: Cattle; Animals; Eimeria; Genome, Mitochondrial; Coccidiosis; Biological Evolution; Cytochromes b; Genetic Variation
PubMed: 37661262
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05925-8 -
Parasite (Paris, France) 2023Free-Living Amebae (FLA) and Cryptosporidium oocysts occasionally share the same environment. From 2004 to 2016, Cryptosporidium was responsible for 60% of 905 worldwide...
Free-Living Amebae (FLA) and Cryptosporidium oocysts occasionally share the same environment. From 2004 to 2016, Cryptosporidium was responsible for 60% of 905 worldwide waterborne outbreaks caused by protozoan parasites. The aim of this study was to evaluate interactions between C. parvum oocysts and two common FLAs (Acanthamoeba castellanii and Vermamoeba vermiformis) in a water environment. Encystment and survival of FLAs were evaluated by microscopy using trypan blue vital coloration. Oocysts were numerated on microscopy. Interactions were studied over time in conditions both unfavorable and favorable to phagocytosis. Potential phagocytosis was directly evaluated by several microscopic approaches and indirectly by numeration of microorganisms and oocyst infectivity evaluation. Occasional phagocytosis of C. parvum by FLAs was documented. However, oocyst concentrations did not decrease significantly, suggesting resistance of oocysts to phagocytosis. A temporary decrease of oocyst infectivity was observed in the presence of A. castellanii. The effect of these interactions on C. parvum infectivity is particularly interesting. The biofilm condition could favor the persistence or even the proliferation of oocysts over time. This study demonstrated interactions between C. parvum and FLAs. Further knowledge of the mechanisms involved in the decrease of oocyst infectivity in the presence of A. castellanii could facilitate the development of new therapeutic approaches.
Topics: Animals; Cryptosporidium parvum; Amoeba; Cryptosporidium; Cryptosporidiosis; Disease Outbreaks; Oocysts
PubMed: 37606589
DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2023033 -
The Journal of Parasitology Aug 1988The "true" coccidia (phylum Apicomplexa, suborder Eimeriina) constitute a large and heterogeneous group of parasitic protozoa. Despite the large number of described... (Review)
Review
The "true" coccidia (phylum Apicomplexa, suborder Eimeriina) constitute a large and heterogeneous group of parasitic protozoa. Despite the large number of described species (ca. 1,650) and the medical and veterinary importance of some (e.g., Toxoplasma), 2 facts are clear: (1) the majority of coccidia species are probably yet undescribed, and (2) the phylogenetic relationships of those described species are poorly known. Contributing to the latter dilemma is the lack of a tradition to provide type specimens by those who describe new species, even though the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature specifically recommends the designation of a type specimen with the description of a new species. With the publication of a new edition of the Code (1985), explicit provisions are made for the unique concerns of taxonomists working with Protozoa. Here we remind those interested in the taxonomy of coccidia of an already established method for preserving oocysts in resin and, as an alternative, suggest the standardization of a photographic procedure through which type specimens of coccidia oocysts might also be submitted to and maintained in accredited museums. Thus, coccidia taxonomists should no longer have an excuse for their failure to designate types.
Topics: Animals; Coccidia; Photomicrography; Preservation, Biological; Terminology as Topic
PubMed: 3294365
DOI: No ID Found -
Parasitology Mar 2020Apicomplexans, including species of Eimeria, pose a real threat to the health and wellbeing of animals and humans. Eimeria parasites do not infect humans but cause an... (Review)
Review
Apicomplexans, including species of Eimeria, pose a real threat to the health and wellbeing of animals and humans. Eimeria parasites do not infect humans but cause an important economic impact on livestock, in particular on the poultry industry. Despite its high prevalence and financial costs, little is known about the cell biology of these 'cosmopolitan' parasites found all over the world. In this review, we discuss different aspects of the life cycle and stages of Eimeria species, focusing on cellular structures and organelles typical of the coccidian family as well as genus-specific features, complementing some 'unknowns' with what is described in the closely related coccidian Toxoplasma gondii.
Topics: Animals; Chickens; Coccidiosis; Eimeria; Life Cycle Stages; Organelles; Poultry Diseases
PubMed: 31727204
DOI: 10.1017/S0031182019001562 -
Microbiology Spectrum Oct 2022Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite that acquires all necessary nutrients from the hosts, but the exact nutrient acquisition mechanisms are poorly...
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite that acquires all necessary nutrients from the hosts, but the exact nutrient acquisition mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, we identified three putative phosphate transporters in T. gondii. TgPiT and TgPT2 are mainly on the plasma membrane, whereas TgmPT is localized to the mitochondrion. TgPiT and TgmPT are widely present and conserved in apicomplexan parasites that include and species. Nonetheless, they are dispensable for the growth and virulence of . TgPT2, on the other hand, is restricted to coccidia parasites and is essential for survival. TgPT2 depletion led to reduced motility and invasion, as well as growth arrest of the parasites both and . Both TgPiT and TgPT2 have phosphate transport activities and contribute to parasites' inorganic phosphate (P) absorption. Interestingly, the P importing activity of parasites could be competitively inhibited by ATP and AMP. Furthermore, direct uptake of P-ATP was also observed, indicating the parasites' ability to scavenge host ATP. Nonetheless, ATP/AMP import is not mediated by TgPiT or TgPT2, suggesting additional mechanisms. Together, these results show the complex pathways of phosphate transport in , and TgPT2 is a potential target for antitoxoplasmic intervention design due to its essential role in parasite growth. To grow and survive within host cells, must scavenge necessary nutrients from hosts to support its parasitism. Transporters located in the plasma membrane of the parasites play critical roles in nutrient acquisition. encodes a large number of transporters, but so far, only a few have been characterized. In this study, we identified two phosphate transporters, TgPiT and TgPT2, to localize to the plasma membrane of Although both TgPiT and TgPT2 possess phosphate transport activities, only the novel transporter TgPT2 was essential for parasite growth, both and . In addition, TgPT2 and its orthologs are only present in coccidia parasites. As such, TgPT2 represents a potential target for drug design against toxoplasmosis. In addition, our data indicated that can take up ATP and AMP from the environment, providing new insights into the energy metabolism of .
Topics: Animals; Toxoplasma; Parasites; Coccidia; Phosphate Transport Proteins; Protozoan Proteins; Membrane Transport Proteins; Phosphates; Adenosine Monophosphate; Adenosine Triphosphate
PubMed: 36094254
DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02186-22 -
International Journal For Parasitology Mar 2004Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite which is a significant human and veterinary pathogen. Other members of the phylum Apicomplexa are also... (Review)
Review
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite which is a significant human and veterinary pathogen. Other members of the phylum Apicomplexa are also important pathogens including Plasmodium species (i.e. malaria), Eimeria species, Neospora, Babesia, Theileria and Cryptosporidium. Unlike most of these organisms, T. gondii is readily amenable to genetic manipulation in the laboratory. Cell biology studies are more readily performed in T. gondii due to the high efficiency of transient and stable transfection, the availability of many cell markers, and the relative ease with which the parasite can be studied using advanced microscopic techniques. Thus, for many experimental questions, T. gondii remains the best model system to study the biology of the Apicomplexa. Our understanding of the mechanisms of drug resistance, the biology of the apicoplast, and the process of host cell invasion has been advanced by studies in T. gondii. Heterologous expression of apicomplexan proteins in T. gondii has frequently facilitated further characterisation of proteins that could not be easily studied. Recent studies of Apicomplexa have been complemented by genome sequencing projects that have facilitated discovery of surprising differences in cell biology and metabolism between Apicomplexa. While results in T. gondii will not always be applicable to other Apicomplexa, T. gondii remains an important model system for understanding the biology of apicomplexan parasites.
Topics: Animals; Antiprotozoal Agents; Genes, Protozoan; Models, Biological; Purines; Pyrimidines; Toxoplasma
PubMed: 15003501
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2003.12.009 -
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection... 2021is an apicomplexan parasite that infects the intestinal epithelium of humans and livestock animals worldwide. Cryptosporidiosis is a leading cause of diarrheal-related... (Review)
Review
is an apicomplexan parasite that infects the intestinal epithelium of humans and livestock animals worldwide. Cryptosporidiosis is a leading cause of diarrheal-related deaths in young children and a major cause of economic loss in cattle operations. The disease is especially dangerous to infants and immunocompromised individuals, for which there is no effective treatment or vaccination. As human-to-human, animal-to-animal and animal-to-human transmission play a role in cryptosporidiosis disease ecology, a holistic 'One Health' approach is required for disease control. Upon infection, the host's innate immune response restricts parasite growth and initiates the adaptive immune response, which is necessary for parasite clearance and recovery. The innate immune response involves a complex communicative interplay between epithelial and specialized innate immune cells. Traditional models have been used to study innate immune responses to but cannot fully recapitulate natural host-pathogen interactions. Recent shifts to human and bovine organoid cultures are enabling deeper understanding of host-specific innate immunity response to infection. This review examines recent advances and highlights research gaps in our understanding of the host-specific innate immune response to . Furthermore, we discuss evolving research models used in the field and potential developments on the horizon.
Topics: Animals; Cattle; Cryptosporidiosis; Cryptosporidium; Cryptosporidium parvum; Immunity, Innate; One Health
PubMed: 34113580
DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.689401